Epithelial Tissue

Shape of cells and # of layers determines the classification of epithelium cells

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Location:

• Air Sacs of lungs, and the lining of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.

Function:

• Allows material to pass through by diffusion and filtration, and secretes lubricating substances.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Location:

• In ducts and secretory portions of small glands and in kidney tubules

Function

• Secretes hormones/enzymes and filters toxins

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Location

• Ciliated tissues are in bronchi, uterine tubes, and uterus; smooth (conciliated tissues) are in the digestive tract, bladder.

Function:

• Absorbs nutrients from food; it also secretes mucous and enzyme

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Location

• Lines the esophagus, mouth, and the vagina

Function

• Protects against abrasion

Pseudo-Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Location

• Lines the respiratory tract (trachea, upper airways) and parts of the male reproductive/urinary tracts (epididymis, vas deferent, urethra)

Function

• Secretes mucus, movement facilitated with cilia

Transitional Epithelium

Location

• Lines urinary tract (ureters, bladder, part of the urethra)

Function

• Stretches and expands to accommodate urine volume and protect underlying tissues from urine’s acidity and toxins.