Epithelial and Connective Tissues: Types, Locations and Functions

Simple squamous epithelium

Locations: kidneys, lungs, serosa

Functions: diffusion, filtration, lubrication

Dense regular connective tissue

Locations: tendons, ligaments, aponeuroses

Functions: Strong, resists tension in predictable direction, connects other tissues

Dense irregular connective tissue

Locations: dermis, submucosa, fibrous capsules of organs (liver, kidney, spleen) and joints

Functions: resists tension in all unpredictable directions, durable, hard to tear

Reticular connective tissue

Locations: lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen

Functions: Supportive stroma for lymphatic organs

Areolar connective tissue

Locations: superficial layer of dermis, surrounds organs, surrounds capillaries

Functions: wraps and cushions organs, holds and conveys body fluids

Adipose tissue

Locations: hypodermis, through out other tissues

Functions: stores fat, insulates, cushions

Hyaline cartilage

Locations: joint articulations, larynx, trachea, septum

Functions: stiff but flexible support, reduces friction

Fibrocartilage

Locations: meniscus of knee, pubic symphasis, intervertebral discs

Functions: support, resists compression, prevents bone-on-bone

Elastic cartilage

Locations: cartilage of ear, epiglottis

Functions: flexible support

Blood Smear

Locations: blood vessels, heart

Functions: hemostasis, transport of nutrients and other substances/products, immunology

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Locations: convoluted tubules of kidneys, most glands (liver, thyroid, mammary, salivary)

Functions: absorption, secretion

Simple columnar epithelium

Locations: intestines, stomach, parotid gland, uterus and uterine tubes

Functions: secretion, absorption

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Locations: upper respiratory tract (often contains goblet cells)

Functions: secretion of mucus and movement of mucus, protection

stratified squamous epithelium

Locations: epidermis

Functions: protection

Transitional epithelium

Locations: Bladder

Functions: Allows for stretching