Simple Epithelium Cells

Simple squamous epithelium

• Single layer of flat cells

• spherical to oval nucleus

• thinnest barrier

• allows rapid movements of molecules across surface

• lines air sacs of lungs (alveoli), vessel walls (endothelium), serous membranes (mesothelium)

Simple Squamous epithelium

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

– Single layer of uniformly shaped cells

– About as tall as they are wide

– Centrally located spherical nucleus

– Designed for absorption and secretion

– Ideal for structural components of glands

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium : fuction and location

Function

Absorption and secretion; forms secretory tissue of most glands and small ducts

Location

Lining of kidney tubules; thyroid gland follicles; surface of ovary; secretory regions and ducts of most exocrine glands

Simple columnar epithelium

• Single layer of cells

• Taller than they are wide

• Oval nucleus, lengthwise in basal region

• Ideal for secretory and absorptive functions

• Two forms: Nonciliated and Ciliated

Nonciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium

Contains microvilli

• Fuzzy structure—brush border

Unicellular glands—goblet cells

• Secrete glycoprotein—mucin

• Forms mucus when mixed with water

Lines most of digestive tract from stomach to anal canal (stomach, small and large intestine)

Ciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium - structure

Structure

Single layer of ciliated cells taller than they are wide; oval-shaped nucleus oriented lengthwise in basal region of cell; may contain goblet cells

Ciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium - function

Function

Secretion of mucin and movement of mucus along apical surface of epithelium by cilia; oocyte movement through uterine tube

Ciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium - location

Location

Lining of the larger bronchioles (air passageways) of the lung and the uterine tubes

Ciliated Simple Columnar Epithelium