Epithelial Tissue Cells

Epithelia - layers of cells that cover internal and external surfaces

Apical surface - side of the tissue that is exposed to the environment or an internal chamber/passageway

Cilia - hair-like structures on an apical surface

Microvilli - increase surface area for absorption

Basement membrane - protein fibers that connect epithelium to underlying connective tissue

Avascular (absence of blood vessels) - obtain nutrients from deeper tissues

Exocrines - secretions that are discharged onto the epithelial surface

Endocrines - secretions that are released into surrounding tissue

Simple - single layer of cells in a protected area of the body

Stratified - several layers of cells in areas with heavy mechanical or chemical stress

Squamous - thin and flat

cuboidal - cube-shaped in neat rows

columnar - rectangular

Simple squamous epithelial - single layer of thin, flat cells

Simple cuboidal epithelial - single layer/row of cube-shaped cells