Epithelial Tissue

Simple squamous

Structure: Single layer of flat, thin cells

Function: Allows rapid diffusion & filtration

Location: Found in alveoli (lungs), blood vessels (endothelium), and kidney glomeruli

Special Feature: Minimizes resistance for gas exchange & fluid movement

Simple cuboidal

Structure: Single layer of cube-shaped cells with a central nucleus

Function: Absorption & secretion

Location: Found in kidney tubules, glandular ducts, and ovary surface

Special Feature: Provides more structural support than squamous epithelium

Simple columnar

Structure: Single layer of tall, column-shaped cells with nuclei aligned at the base

Function: Absorption, secretion & protection

Location: Found in the digestive tract (stomach & intestines), uterus, and respiratory passages

Special Feature: Often contains microvilli for increased surface area or goblet cells for mucus secretion

Stratified squamous

Structure: Multiple layers of flat, thin cells

Function: Protection against abrasion and pathogens

Location: Found in the skin, mouth, esophagus, and vagina

Special Feature: Can be keratinized or non-keratinized, depending on the location.

Stratified cuboidal

Structure: Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells

Function: Protection and secretion

Location: Found in sweat glands, mammary glands, and salivary glands

Special Feature: Provides structural support and is less common compared to other epithelial types.

Stratified columnar

Structure: Multiple layers of column-shaped cells

Function: Protection and secretion

Location: Found in the male urethra, large ducts of some glands

Special Feature: Rare in the body, often transitional between other types.

Pseudostratified

Structure: Single layer of cells that appear stratified due to varying cell heights

Function: Secretion and propulsion of mucus

Location: Found in the respiratory tract and parts of the male reproductive system

Special Feature: Contains cilia and goblet cells.

Glandular epithelium

Structure: Specialized epithelial cells that form glands

Function: Secretion of hormones, mucus, and other substances

Location: Endocrine and exocrine glands throughout the body

Special Feature: Can be unicellular or multicellular and different types based on secretion method.