Epithelial Tissue

Simple Squamous Epithelium

One layer of flat cells; diffusion and filtration.

Where is simple squamous epithelium found?

Alveoli, blood vessels, heart, serous membranes, kidney tubules.

How do you identify simple squamous epithelium?

One thin layer of flat cells with flattened nuclei.

Memory trick for simple squamous

Squamous = squashed (flat) cells.

What is the function of simple squamous epithelium?

Diffusion, filtration, secretion, and reducing friction.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

One layer of cube-shaped cells.

Where is simple cuboidal epithelium found?

Kidney tubules, glands, ovary surface, terminal bronchioles.

How do you identify simple cuboidal epithelium?

Round central nuclei and cube-shaped cells.

Memory trick for simple cuboidal

Cube = cuboidal = kidney tubules.

What is the function of simple cuboidal epithelium?

Secretion and absorption.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

One layer of tall cells.

Where is simple columnar epithelium found?

Stomach, intestines, gallbladder, uterus, uterine tubes.

How do you identify simple columnar epithelium?

Tall cells with oval nuclei; may have goblet cells or microvilli.

Memory trick for simple columnar

Columns are tall.

What is the function of simple columnar epithelium?

Absorption and secretion.

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Looks multilayered but every cell touches the basement membrane.

Where is pseudostratified columnar epithelium found?

Nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, pharynx.

How do you identify pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

Nuclei at different heights with cilia and goblet cells.

Memory trick for pseudostratified

Pseudo = fake layers.

What is the function of pseudostratified columnar epithelium?

Secretes mucus and moves it with cilia.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Many layers with flat cells on the surface.

Where is keratinized stratified squamous found?

Epidermis of the skin.

Where is nonkeratinized stratified squamous found?

Mouth, esophagus, vagina, anus.

How do you identify stratified squamous epithelium?

Many layers with flattened surface cells.

What is the function of stratified squamous epithelium?

Protection from abrasion, infection, and water loss.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Multiple layers of cube-shaped cells.

Where is stratified cuboidal epithelium found?

Sweat gland ducts, salivary gland ducts, ovarian follicles.

What is the function of stratified cuboidal epithelium?

Protection, secretion, and absorption.

How do you identify stratified cuboidal epithelium?

Usually two layers of cube-shaped cells.

Stratified Columnar Epithelium

Multiple layers with columnar cells on the surface.

Where is stratified columnar epithelium found?

Mammary gland ducts, larynx, male urethra.

What is the function of stratified columnar epithelium?

Protection and secretion.

How do you identify stratified columnar epithelium?

Columnar cells on top with cuboidal cells underneath.

Transitional Epithelium

Stratified epithelium that changes shape when stretched.

Where is transitional epithelium found?

Urinary bladder, ureters, proximal urethra.

How do you identify transitional epithelium?

Rounded "umbrella" cells on top that flatten when stretched.

Memory trick for transitional epithelium

Think of a balloon stretching.

What is the function of transitional epithelium?

Allows urinary organs to stretch without tearing.

Which epithelial tissue is best for diffusion?

Simple squamous.

Which epithelial tissue is best for secretion and absorption?

Simple cuboidal.

Which epithelial tissue lines most of the digestive tract?

Simple columnar.

Which epithelial tissue contains goblet cells and cilia?

Pseudostratified columnar.

Which epithelial tissue protects against abrasion?

Stratified squamous.

Which epithelial tissue stretches with the bladder?

Transitional epithelium.