Epithelial Tissue Overview

A type of epithelial tissue specialized for moving particles across its surface. Found in airways and the lining of the oviduct.

Five key functions of epithelial tissues are protection, absorption, secretion, excretion, and sensation.

Five key characteristics of epithelial tissues are cellularity, polarity, supported by connective tissues, avascular, and regeneration.

A type of epithelial tissue found in the oral cavity, providing protection against abrasion and friction while remaining moist.

A type of epithelial tissue found on the hard palate, tongue, and external surface of the gingiva, providing a tougher protection from abrasion and friction.

A type of epithelial tissue found in salivary glands, designed for secretion and absorption.

A specialized membrane lining the oral cavity. It's composed of stratified squamous epithelium and aids in movement during chewing and swallowing. Its lubrication is provided by saliva, produced by salivary glands.

Glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then travel to target organs or tissues. Example: Thyroid gland producing thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function. This is the next level of organization after cells, forming the building blocks of organs.

A collection of different tissues that work together to perform a complex function. This is the next level of organization after tissues.

A type of tissue that covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands. It's a protective barrier and plays roles in absorption, secretion, and sensation.

The number of cell layers present. Simple epithelium is one layer thick, stratified epithelium has multiple layers, and pseudostratified appears multi-layered but is actually a single layer.

The shape of the epithelial cells. Squamous cells are flat and thin, cuboidal cells are cube-shaped, and columnar cells are tall and rectangular.

A special type of epithelial tissue where the cells can change shape depending on the tissue's stretch. They are found in organs that need to expand and contract, like the bladder.

These hair-like structures extend from the apical surface of epithelial cells and help move substances along the surface. They are common in respiratory tracts (for mucus) and fallopian tubes (for oocytes).

A thin, specialized layer that separates epithelial tissue from the underlying connective tissue. It's made of the basal lamina (anchors epithelial cells) and the reticular lamina (connects to connective tissue).