Epithelial Tissues

Simple Squamous function

filtration/ diffusion- absorption

simple squamous location

passageways(lungs, arteries, blood vessels, lymph vessels, mesentery, parietal membrane)

simple squamous characteristics

single layer and flat cells

simple cuboidal function

secretion and absorption

simple cuboidal location

lines tubes and certain glands(kidney tubules, salivary glands, thyroid, liver, ovary surface)

simple cuboidal characteristics

single layer and cube shaped, lines a passageway(lumen)

simple columnar function

absorption, protection, secretion(goblet cells)

simple columnar location

stomach, intestines, uterus

simple columnar characteristics

single layer, cilia, nuclei on same level

pseudostratified columnar function

secretes(goblet cells), movement(cilia)

pseudostratified columnar location

respiratory tract, fallopian tubes

pseudostratified columnar characteristics

appears layered due to nuclei at multiple levels, often ciliated

stratified squamous function

protection

stratified squamous location

skin, mouth, esophagus, rectum, vagina

stratified squamous characteristics

high traffic areas, 30-50 layer

stratified cuboidal function

protection and secretion

stratified cuboidal location

lines larger ducts and glands(pancreas, mammary glands, testes, sweat)

stratified cuboidal characteristics

2-3 layers

stratified columnar function

protection and secretion

stratified columnar location

male urethra(mucus), vas deferens, pharynx

stratified columnar characteristics

several layers

transitional function

distensibility(can stretch), oritection

transitional location

bladder, ureters, urethra

transitional characteristics

stretched or relaxed, less than 10 layers