Epithelial Tissue

Simple Squamous

Single layer of flattened cells

Simple Squamous nuclei shape

Disc shaped

Simple Squamous function

Allow materials to pass through by diffusion and filtration where protection is not important

Simple Squamous locations

Blood/lymphatic vessels, kidney glomeruli, air sacs of lungs

Simple Cuboidal

Single layer cube shaped cells

Simple cuboidal nuclei shape

Large, spherical

Simple cuboidal function

Absorption or secretion

Simple cuboidal location

Kidney tubules, secretory parts of glands, ovary surface

Simple columnar

Single layer tall cells

Simple columnar nuclei shape

Round, oval

Simple columnar functions

Absorption, mucus and enzyme secretion

Simple columnar location

Stomach lining, intestines, excretory ducts

Apical specialization of simple columnar epithelium

Microvilli— increase absorption area

Pseudostratified columnar

Single layer of cells with differing heights. Not all reach surface, which gives the impression of being stratified.

Pseudostratified columnar function

Secretion, mucus propulsion by cilia

Pseudostratified columnar location

Respiratory tract, like trachea and brochii

Pseudostratified columnar apical specialization

Cilia

Stratified squamous function

protect underlying tissues in areas subjected to abrasion

Stratified squamous— keratinized (dead, no nuclei) location

Skin, hard palate, gingiva

Stratified squamous— non-keratinized (viable) location

Esophagus lining, mouth, vagina

Transitional epithelium transitions between:

Stratified squamous and stratified columnar

Glandular function

Synthesize and secrete specific products (endocrine glands —> bloodstream, exocrine glands —> extracellular space)