Epithelial Tissues

Simple

1 layer

Stratified

Multiple Layers

Pseudo

Looks real but is not true

Squamous

Flat (squashed)

Columnar

Tall (Column-like)

Cuboidal

Cube-shaped

Simple cuboidal

One layer of cube-shaped cells; absorption and secretion; found in kidney tubules and small gland ducts

Simple columnar

One layer of tall cells; absorption and secretion; lines the stomach and intestines

Pseudostratified columnar

One layer of cells with nuclei at different heights that appears multilayered; often has cilia to move mucus; lines the trachea and much of the upper respiratory tract

Simple squamous

One layer of flat cells; allows diffusion and filtration; found in lung alveoli and lining blood vessels

Stratified squamous

Many layers with flat cells at the surface; protects against abrasion; found in the epidermis and lining the mouth and esophagus

Stratified cuboidal

Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells; protection and secretion; found in ducts of sweat glands

Stratified columnar

Multiple layers with tall cells at the surface; protection and secretion; found in parts of the male urethra and large gland ducts

Transitional

Multiple layers with surface cells that flatten when stretched; allows urinary organs to expand; lines the bladder and ureters