Types of Epithelial Tissue

Study Notes

Types of Epithelial Tissue

Transitional Epithelium
- Specialized type allowing stretching, found in the bladder and parts of the urinary tract.
Simple Squamous Epithelium
- Single layer of flat cells; facilitates diffusion and filtration; located in alveoli of lungs and lining of blood vessels.
Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
- Single layer of cube-shaped cells; functions in secretion and absorption; common in kidney tubules and glands.
Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium
- Appears stratified but is a single layer; often ciliated; found in the respiratory tract, aiding in secretion and movement of mucus.
Simple Columnar Epithelium
- Single layer of tall cells; involved in absorption and secretion of mucus and enzymes; lining of the stomach and intestines.
Stratified Squamous Epithelium (Keratinized)
- Multiple layers of flat cells; provides protection, particularly in areas exposed to abrasion, such as skin.
Stratified Squamous Epithelium (Nonkeratinized)
- Similar to keratinized but lacks surface keratin; found in moist areas such as the mouth, esophagus, and vagina.
Stratified Columnar Epithelium
- Multiple layers of cells with columnar shape on the surface; found in male urethra and some glandular ducts.
Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium
- Usually two layers of cube-shaped cells; provides protection and is rare, found in some sweat glands and mammary glands.

Key Characteristics

Epithelial tissues have minimal extracellular material, allowing tight cell connection.
Serve essential roles in protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.
Can be classified by the number of layers (simple vs. stratified) and cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, columnar).

Description

Explore the various types of epithelial tissue through this quiz, which covers key characteristics and locations of each type. Learn about transitional epithelium, simple squamous, and more. Test your knowledge on their functions and roles in the human body.