Question

*explain the features of the epidermis--include type(s) of tissue it’s composed of: (p. 185-6)
if the epidermis has no direct blood supply, how are epidermal cells supplied with nutrients?
what happens as the older epidermal cells are pushed up to the surface away from their nutrient source?

Explanation:

The epidermis is mainly composed of stratified squamous epithelium. Since it has no direct blood - supply, epidermal cells get nutrients through diffusion from the underlying dermis where blood vessels are present. As older epidermal cells are pushed up to the surface away from the nutrient source, they become keratinized and eventually slough off.

Answer:

1. The epidermis is mainly composed of stratified squamous epithelial tissue.
2. Epidermal cells are supplied with nutrients through diffusion from the underlying dermis which has a blood - supply.
3. As older epidermal cells are pushed up to the surface away from the nutrient source, they keratinize and are eventually shed.