ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Integrins are a key component of hemidesmosomes which serve to anchor the epithelium to the underlying basement membrane.

Detailed explanation-2: -In a simple (single-layered) epithelium, each cell is polarized. The base of the cell is attached to an underlying basement membrane while the apical end faces free space. Lateral surfaces are attached to neighboring epithelial cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -The basal lamina helps to attach and anchor the cells to the underlying connective tissue. Proteins (integrins and proteglycans) in the cell membranes attach to proteins in the basal lamina, which in turn is linked to the extracellular matrix of connective tissue.