Stratified epithelium cells

Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Structure

Structure

Multiple cell layers; basal cells are cuboidal or polyhedral and alive, whereas apical (superficial) cells are squamous, lack a nucleus and organelles, are filled with the protein keratin, and are dead.

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Function

Function

Protection of underlying tissue from abrasion

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Locations

Location

Epidermis of skin

Nonkeratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Structure

Structure

Multiple cell layers; basal cells are cuboidal or polyhedral, whereas apical (superficial) cells are squamous; all cells are living; each cell contains a nucleus and organelles and lacks keratin; superficial cells kept moist

Nonkeratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Function

Function

Protection of underlying tissue from abrasion

Nonkeratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Location

Location

Lining of oral cavity, part of pharynx, part of larynx, esophagus, lining of vagina, and anus

Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Function

Nonkeratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Function

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium - Structure

Structure

Two or more layers of cells; cells at the apical surface are about as tall as they are wide

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium - Function

Function

Protection and secretion

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium - Location

Location

Ducts of most exocrine glands and ovarian follicles

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Stratified Columnar Epithelium - Structure

Structure

Two or more layers of cells; cells at the apical surface are taller than they are wide

Stratified Columnar Epithelium - Function

Function

Protection and secretion

Stratified Columnar Epithelium - Location

Location

Large ducts of salivary glands; conjunctiva covering the eye; lining of the membranous part of male urethra

Transitional Epithelium

Structure

Epithelial appearance varies, depending upon whether tissue is relaxed or distended (stretched);

relaxed transitional epithelium has cuboidal or polyhedral cells and the apical cells are large and rounded,

whereas distended transitional epithelium has flattened cells at the apical surface; some cells are binucleated

Transitional Epithelium - relaxed

Transitional Epithelium - distended