CHAPTER 3

Cells and Tissues

 Body Tissues

3-14 Name the 4 major tissue types and their

chief subcategories. Explain how the four
major tissue types differ structurally and
functionally.

Tissues: groups of cells that are similar in

structure and function
 Body Tissues
Four major tissue types:
epithelium

 covering
 connective
 support
 nervous
 control
 muscle
 movement
 Body Tissues

Epithelial Tissues Poster Project

1. Title: Insert your category of epithelial tissue here
2. Labeled drawing of your tissue type
3. Example of where it’s located in the body
4. Describe the structure and function(s)
Refer to textbook pgs. 88-92
You can also use online rescources
*Posters should be neat, colorful, and visually appealing
*Information should be large and clear enough to read
from several feet away
 Body Tissues
 Epithelial Tissue (epithelium) (epithe = laid on,
covering)

 is the lining, covering,

and glandular tissue of
the body
 Body Tissues
 Glandular epithelium forms various glands in the
body.

 Covering and lining epithelium covers all free body

surfaces and contains versatile cells
 One type forms the epidermis (outer layer of the skin)
 Others dip into the body to line its cavities
 Body Tissues
Nearly all substances that the body gives off or receives
must pass through the epithelium.

Epithelial functions:
- protection
- absorption
- filtration
- secretion
 Body Tissues
Special Characteristics of Epithelium
-Except for glandular epithelium, epithelial cells fit closely
together to form continuous sheets. Neighboring cells held
together at multiple points by specialized cell junctions

-The membranes always have one free (unattached) surface

or edge, the apical surface, which is exposed to the body’s
exterior or to the cavity of an internal organ.

-Surfaces can be slick/smooth, others can be covered with

microvilli or cilia.
 Body Tissues
Special Characteristics of Epithelium, continued
 the lower surface of an epithelium rests on a basement

membrane, a structureless material secreted by both the

epithelial cells and the connective tissue cells that abut
the epithelium

 epithelial tissues are avascular and therefore depend on

diffusion from the capillaries in underlying connective
tissue for food and oxygen

 epithelial cells regenerate easily if well nourished

 Body Tissues
Classification of Epithelium
Each epithelium is given two names.

The first indicates the number of layers:

simple = single layer stratified = multiple layers

The second describes the shape of the cells:

squamous = flattened cuboidal = cube-shaped

columnar = column-shaped
i
 Body Tissues
Simple Epithelia
Primary functions (physiology): absorption, secretion,
filtration

Structure (anatomy): single layer, therefore very thin

The very thin structure allows simple epithelia to

perform their functions. Due to being so thin, protection
is not one of their specialties.
Body Tissues (see worksheet!)

 Simple Squamous Epithelium

Structure: single layer of thin squamous cells resting on a
basement membrane. The cells fit closely together like
floor tiles.

Function: filtration and rapid diffusion, also forms serous

membranes that line the ventral cavity and cover the
organs in the cavity

Locations: in the air sacs of the lungs, walls of capillaries

Body Tissues (see worksheet!)

 Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Structure: one layer of cuboidal cells resting on a basement
membrane

Functions: Secretion and absorption; ciliated types propel

mucus or reproductive cells

Locations: in glands and their ducts. For example, the

salivary glands and pancreas. Also forms walls of the
kidney tubules and covers the surface of the ovaries.
Body Tissues (see worksheet!)
 Simple Columnar Epithelium
Structure: single layer of tall cells that fit closely together.
Often this tissue also contains goblet cells which produce a
lubricating mucus.

Functions: Secretion and absorption; ciliated types propel

mucus or reproductive cells

Locations: line the digestive tract from stomach to anus.

The epithelial membranes that line body cavities open to the
body exterior are called mucosae, or mucus membranes.
Body Tissues (see worksheet!)

 Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Structure: a layer of tall cells that have their nuclei at
varying heights which gives the appearance of multiple
layers, but it’s not really stratified (pseudo = false)

Functions: absorption and secretion

Locations: male urethra; a ciliated variety is present in the

lungs and trachea
 Body Tissues
Stratified Epithelia

Primary function: protection

Structure: two or more cell layers

The thickness of multiple cell layers makes this tissue

considerably more durable that the simple epithelia, which
makes it more well-suited for it’s protective function.
Body Tissues (see worksheet!)

 Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Structure: consists of several layers of cells. Cells at the
free edge are squamous cells; those close to the basement
membrane are cuboidal or columnar

Function: protect areas from impact and friction

Locations: mouth, esophagus, and the outer portion of the

skin
Body Tissues (see worksheet!)

 Stratified Cuboidal and Stratified Columnar Epithelia

Structure:
Cuboidal – typically has just 2 cell layers with (at least) the
surface cells being cuboidal
Columnar – surface cells are columnar, but its basal cells vary in
size and shape

Function: protection

Locations: (rare in humans) found mainly in the ducts of large

glands
Body Tissues (see worksheet!)

 Transitional Epithelium
Structure: several layers of cells; basal cells are columnar or
cuboidal; surface cells are rounded and dome like, but able to slide
past one another and change their shape to flattened, more
squamous-like cells

Function: allows organs to temporarily enlarge, and then return to

their original size

Location: lining of the bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra (all
part of the urinary system and subject to considerable stretching)
Body Tissues (see worksheet!)
 Glandular Epithelium
Structure: one or more cells that make up a gland

Function: secretion

Location: various endocrine and exocrine glands throughout

the body.
 Check for understanding:
1. What two criteria are used to classify epithelial tissues?
number of cell layers and shape of cells

2. Which of the following properties apply to epithelial

tissues?
Has blood vessels, can repair itself, has specialized cell
junctions
can repair itself and has specialized cell junctions
3. Which epithelial tissue’s primary functions are diffusion
and filtration?
simple squamous epithelium