Human Epithelia

Simple Squamous Epithelium



Characteristics of simple squamous epithelial tissue: one layer of flat cells with disk shaped nuclei.
Function: Filtration and diffusion




Examples of simple squamous epithelial tissue: lining in lymphatic vessels.









Simple Cuboidal Epithelium


Characteristics of simple cuboidal epithelial tissue: one layer of cube-like cells with spherical central nuclei
Function: secretion and absorption



Examples of simple cuboidal epithelial tissue: Kidney tubules, duct and secretory portions of small glands, ovary surfaces






Simple Columnar Epithelium


Characteristics of simple columnar epithelial tissue: One layer of column shaped cells with oval nuclei. Most have cilia (hair-like things that helps them move)
Function: absorption and secretion


Examples of simple columnar epithelial tissue: nonciliated type line digestive tract and gallbladder. ciliated type line small bronchi, uterine types and some regions of the urterus. cilia help move substances through the internal passageways

Pseudo-stratified Columnar Epithelium



Characteristics of pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue: column shaped cells with different heights
Function: secretion and propulsion of mucus


Examples of pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue: present in male-sperm carrying ducts, and trachea











Stratified Squamous Epithelium


Characteristics of stratified squamous epithelial tissues: thick membrane that consists of many layers of flat cells
Function: protection to underlying areas subject to abrasion.



Examples of stratified squamous epithelial tissues: forms the outside layer of skin, lining of the esophagus mouth and vagina.





Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Characteristics of stratified cuboidal epithelial tissues: Cube shaped cells in multiple layers


Examples of stratified cuboidal epithelial tissues: protects the ducts of some sweat glands and mammary glands and salivary glands















Stratified Columnar Epithelium



Characteristics of stratified columnar epithelial tissue: column shaped cells stacked on top of each other in multiple layers.


Examples of stratified columnar epithelial tissue: pharynx, male urethra, and glandular ducts









Transitional Epithelium



Characteristics of transitional epithelial tissues: several layers of cells, base cells are cuboidal and the surface cells are dome shaped
Functions: to stretch and retract for the bladder.



Examples of transitional epithelial tissues: lines the bladder the ureters and part of the urethra