Tissue Types Chapter 2.4

Simple squamous epithelium Location

Kidney glomeruli; air sacs of lungs; lining
of heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic
vessels; lining of ventral body cavity
(serosae)

Simple squamous epithelium function

Allows materials to pass by diffusion and
filtration in sites where protection is not
important; secretes lubricating substances
in serosae

Simple cuboidal epithelium location

Kidney tubules; ducts and secretory
portions of small glands; ovary surface

Simple cuboidal epithelium Function

Secretion and absorption

Simple columnar epithelium Location

Nonciliated type lines most of the
digestive tract (stomach to rectum),
gallbladder, and excretory ducts of some
glands; ciliated variety lines small bronchi,
uterine tubes, and some regions of the
uterus

Simple columnar epithelium function

Absorption; secretion of mucus, enzymes,
and other substances; ciliated type propels
mucus (or reproductive cells) by ciliary
action

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium Location

Nonciliated type in male’s sperm-carrying
ducts and ducts of large glands; ciliated
variety lines the trachea, most of the
upper respiratory tract

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium Function

Secrete substances, particularly mucus;
propulsion of mucus by ciliary action

Stratified squamous epithelium Location

Nonkeratinized type forms the moist
linings of the esophagus, mouth, and
vagina; keratinized variety forms the
epidermis of the skin, a dry membrane

Stratified squamous epithelium Function

Protects underlying tissues in areas
subjected to abrasion

Transitional epithelium Location

Lines the ureters, urinary bladder, and
part of the urethra

Transitional epithelium Function

Lines the ureters, urinary bladder, and
part of the urethra