Simple Epithelium This type of epithelium is very thin. It functions for absorption, secretion and filtration.

Protection is not one of their specialties. 1. Simple squamous epithelium forms the membranes where filtration or exchange of substances by rapid diffusion takes place. 2. Simple cuboidal epithelium this is one layer of cuboidal cells which lies on the basement of the membrane. It forms the walls of the tubules in the kidney and the one that covers the surface of the ovaries in females. 3. Simple columnar epithelium this is one layer of columnar cells (tall cells) that fits closely together. It covers the entire area of the digestive tract from the stomach to the anus. In this type of epithelium, goblet cells are found. Goblet cells are the one which produce lubricating mucus. Pseudistratified Columnar Epithelium this type of epithelium gives the impression that it is stratified. The main function of this epithelium is on absorption and secretion.

simple squamous epithelial I. Epithelial Tissue A. Common Characteristics 1) Individual cells are closely attached to each other at their margins to form tight sheets 2) No extra-cellular matrix 3) No vascularization

4) Arranged so that there is a(n): -apical surface (free surface) -basal region (closely anchored to the underlying CT) B. Functions 1) Protection: covers body and lines all body cavities; provides a protective shield for underlying tissues (e.g. epidermis) 2) Absorption: in some parts of the body it takes in certain materials (e.g. digestive tract) 3) Secretion: in some parts of the body epi. tissue is specialized to secrete certain products E.g. small intestine: some cells are specialized to secrete mucus 4) Excretion: in the kidney cells rid the body of materials 5) Surface transport: cilia on cells in the lungs move mucus and particles up and out 6) Sensory functions: Ex. taste buds in the mouth C. 1) 2) 3) D. 1) 2) 3) Three main squamous: cuboidal: columnar: shapes of cells at the apical/free surface thin and flat small cubes in cross section tiny columns

Layering simple: one layer of cells stratified: cells arranged in two or more layers pseudostratified: falsely appear to be layered

Epithelial tissues are named according to two different systems: cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, etc..)and cell organization (simple, stratified, and pseudostratified).

Look at the cells at the blue arrow. Cell Shape Squamous. Cell Organization Simple. The blue arrow is pointing to a squamous cell - it is just one layer thick - therfore it could be called "simple squamous epithelium."

FYI: This tissue can be found in your kidney Look at the cells at the black arrow (top of the picture). Cell Shape Squamous. Cell Organization Stratified. The black arrow is pointing to a squamous cells that are layerd - therfore they can be called "stratified squamous epithelium."

FYI: The black cells have also been keratinized. Here is another picture of stratified squamous epithelium (black arrows). This picture is from a lip

Just in case you were wondering, the red arrows are pointing to tiny blood vessels. Look at the cells at the two black arrows - each is pointing to a layer of cuboidal cells. Cell Shape Cuboidal. Cell Organization Stratified. This specific tissue is therefore called statified coboidal epithelium. This is a picture of a duct.

Look at the cells at the black arrow. Cell Shape Columnar. Cell Organization Simple. Therefor: simple columnar epithelium. This picture is from a gall bladder.

FYI: The red arrow is pointing to red blood cells (erythrocytes). Look at the dark cells - there is lots of stuff going on here! First - the cells have a columnar shape, and they are pseudostratified. (If you don't know what pseudostratified means, go back and look it up in

your book!) Cell Shape Columnar. Cell Organization Simple. Second: the cells are also ciliated (you should know what ciliated means!) Therefore: ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium. This picture is from a trachea.

And if that was not enough, there are also goblet cells in the above image! Can you find them? These cells (black arrows) can stretch! Therefore they are called transitional epithelium.Transitional epithelium can be found in organs that can stretch, such as your bladder.

Simple Squamous Epithelium Epithelial tissue One layer of thin, flat cells Looks like fried eggs from the side. The nucleus looks like the yolk. Functions: Makes a very thin membrane that is good for the indiscriminate passage of molecules (diffusion, filtration) Also, makes a very smooth surface that is good for lining structures that require very little friction or drag Found: renal corpuscle in kidney lines arteries and veins capillaries alveoli of lungs

lines chambers of the heart lines serous membranes Photo taken by Dr. S. Desai

Green arrows indicate nuclei of simple squamous epithelial cells of the parietal layer of Bowman's capsule in a renal corpuscle in the cortex of the kidney. Simple Cuboidal Epithelium Epithelial Tissue One layer of cube shaped cells More picky than simple squamous epi., and does not take as much wear as simple columnar epi. Function: Good for reabsorption and secretion Found kidney convoluted tubules collecting ducts ascending loop of Henle choroid plexus of brain surface of ovaries Thyroid gland

 Simple cuboidal epithelium (two cells indicated by black box) make up the tubules in the kidneys (shown in cross section and indicated by the black oval). You will notice many tubules in this view. Simple Columnar Epithelium Epithelial tissue One layer of long thin cells Thick and built to take more wear and tear than simple squamous and simple cuboidal epithelia. Functions: Absorption and secretion (with microvilli) Surface transport (with cilia) Found small intestine stomach large intestine glands ducts uterus uterine tubes

Simple Columnar Epithelium (indicated in the black box) lining the stomach. Stratified Squamous Epithelium Epithelial tissue Many layers of flat cells Two types: Keratinized: waterproof Unkeratinized: not waterproof Found Keratinized: skin scalp bottom of feet rectum Unkeraitinized mouth lining of nose vagina esophagus

Blue bracket indicates all of the layers of stratified squamous epithelial cells that make up the epidermis of the skin. You will learn the different layers when you cover the Integumentary System. Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium (PSCCE) Epithelial tissue Looks stratified, but is not; has cilia; cells are long and thin, like columnar Nuclei do not line up like in simple columnar epithelium Functions: Makes and secretes mucus Surface transport Found trachea bronchi nasal cavities auditory tube

PSCCE (indicated by black bracket) lining the trachea Transitional Epithelium Epithelial Tissue Many layers of cells the flatted when the tissue is stretched. Look like stratified squamous epi. when stretched and stratified cuboidal when relaxed. Found ureters bladder superior urethra

Transitional epithelium (400x) The blue bracket indicates the transitional epithelium when the bladder is contracted (not distended).