Epithelial Tissue Types (HISTOLAB)

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing epithelial tissue types, their structure, locations, and functions, plus key classification terms.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Single layer of flat cells; ideal for rapid diffusion and filtration; lines alveoli, Bowman's capsule, heart, blood and lymphatic vessels; secretes lubricating serous fluid.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Single layer of cube-shaped cells with round nuclei; specialized for secretion and absorption; found in kidney tubules, thyroid follicles, and small gland ducts.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Single layer of tall cells; may bear microvilli or cilia; absorbs nutrients and secretes mucus & enzymes; lines GI tract, gallbladder, uterine tubes, and bronchi.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Appears multilayered but all cells reach the basement membrane; usually ciliated and mucus-secreting; lines trachea and most of the upper respiratory tract, moving mucus upward.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium (Non-keratinized)

Multiple layers with flat, living surface cells kept moist; protects against abrasion in esophagus, oral cavity, vagina, and anal canal.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium (Keratinized)

Multiple layers with dead, keratin-filled surface cells; forms the waterproof, abrasion-resistant epidermis of skin.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Usually two to three layers of cube-shaped cells; rare; provides protection in ducts of sweat, mammary, and salivary glands.

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Basal layers cuboidal with tall columnar surface cells; rare; offers secretion and protection in parts of the male urethra and large excretory ducts.

Transitional Epithelium (Urothelium)

Rounded cells that flatten when stretched; allows urinary organs such as bladder, ureters, and proximal urethra to expand without tearing.

"Simple" (Epithelial Prefix)

Indicates a single cell layer; structures designed for diffusion, filtration, secretion, or absorption.

"Stratified" (Epithelial Prefix)

Indicates multiple stacked cell layers; provides protection against mechanical or chemical stress.

"Pseudostratified" (Epithelial Descriptor)

Describes an epithelium that looks stratified because nuclei sit at different heights, yet every cell touches the basement membrane.