(a) Simple epithelium : It is simple in structure and basically formed by single layer

cells.
(1) Simple squamous epithelium : It is consists of only one layer of flat, scale like
cells, usually polygonal cells which are closely fitted together like the tiles of a mosaic. It is
also known as pavement epithelium.
There is a round nucleus in the centre of
cell and covers those moist places where
friction causes wear and tear such as
inner lining of cheeks and associated
with filtration and diffusion in
mammalian tissue. Blood and lymphatic
vessels linings are called endothelium
and surface of the pleura, pericardium
and peritoneum are called mesothelium.
The cells of endothelium and
mesothelium become wavy and called
tessellated. e.g. It forms lining of blood
vessels, lymph vessel, heart, peritoneum,
pleura, Bowmans capsule, inner surface
of tympanic membrane, thin segment of loop of Henle and lung alveoli.
(2) Simple cuboidal epithelium : The simple cuboidal epithelium is composed of
one layer of cuboidal shaped cells resting on a basement membrane. The nuclei are situated
centrally. The cells of cubical epithelium often form microvilli on their free surface border
called brush bordered cuboidal epithelium. e.g. the cubical epithelium is present in the small
salivary and pancreatic ducts, thyroid vesicles, parts of membranous labyrinth, nephrons of
kidneys, ovaries, seminiferous tubules of testes, ciliary bodies, choroid, iris of eyes, thin
bronchioles and sweat gland of mammalian skin.





(3) Simple columnar epithelium : It consists of a single layer cells, many of which
have modified structure. Three common modifications
are goblet, cilia and microvilli. In the intestine plasma
membranes of many columnar cells extend out in
hundreds and hundreds of microscopic finger like
microvilli, to increase the absorptive surface area and
is called brush bordered columnar epithelium Certain
cells of this epithelium contain mucous or goblet cells
along with under lying supporting connective tissue is
called mucous membrane. Simple columnar
epithelium is present in the stomach and intestine. e.g.
located inner lining of gall bladder and bile duct. It
also occurs in the gastric gland, intestinal glands, pancreatic lobules, respiratory bronchioles
and PCT (Proximal Convoluted Tubules).
Fig. Simple squamous epithelium
NUCLEUS
NUCLEUS
CYTOPLASM
CELL BOUNDARY
BASEMENT MEMBRANE
CYTOPLASM
CELL MEMBRANE
BASEMENT MEMBRANE
NUCLEUS
CYTOPLASM
Fig. Simple cuboidal epithelium
Fig. Simple columnar epithelium
BASEMENT MEMBRANE
MICROVILLI
MUCUS
CYTOPLASM
NUCLEUS
GOBLET CELL
CELL MEMBRANE
ABSORPTIVE CELL
(4) Simple ciliated epithelium : It bears
numerous delicate hair like outgrowths called cilia
arising from basal granules help to create a current
to transport the materials. The ciliated epithelium is
of two types
(i) Ciliated columnar epithelium : It lines
respiratory tract, fallopian tubes (oviducts),
ventricles of brain (ependyma), central canal of
spinal cord, tympanic cavity and auditory tube
(Eustachian tube).
(ii) Ciliated cuboidal epithelium : It occurs in certain parts of nephrons of the
kidneys.

CILIA
BASEMENT MEMBRANE
REPLACEMENT CELL
GOBLET CELL
CYTOPLASM
NUCLEUS
CILIATED CELL
MUCUS
BASAL GRANULE
Fig. Simple columnar ciliated epithelium