Type of epithelium

Simple squamous epithelium

Description

Single layer of
flattened cells
Disc shaped central
nuclei
Sparse cytoplasm

Function

Stratified squamous
epithelium

Simple cuboidal epithelium

Simple columnar epithelium

Allows material to
pass by diffusion and
filtration in sites where
protection is not
important
Secretes lubricating
substances in serosae
Protects underlying
tissues in areas
subjected to abrasion
Subjected to
mechanical and
chemical stress

Thick membrane
composed of several
cell layers
Surface cells are
flattened

Single layer of cube

like cells
Large, spherical
central nuclei

Secretion and
absorption

Single layer of tall

cells
Round to oval nuclei
Some cells bear cilia
Layer may contain

Absorption
Secretion of mucus
Secretion of enzymes
Cilited type propels
mucus by cillary

Location

Kidney glomeruli
Air sacs of lungs
Lining of heart
Blood vessels
Lymphatic vessels
Lining of ventral body
cavity
Nonkeratanized: forms
the moist linings of
the esophagus, mouth
and vagina
Keratinised: epidermis
of the skin and a dry
membrane
Kidney tubules
Ducts and secretory
portions of small
glands
Ovary surface
Nonciliated type lines
most of digestive tract
(characterised by
dense microvilli),
gallbladder, and

mucus secreting
unicellular glands

Pseudostratified columnar
epithelium

Transitional epithelium

action
-

Single layer of cells of

differing heights
Nuclei seen at
different levels
May contain mucus
secreting cells and
bear cilia

Resembles both
stratified squamous
and stratified cuboidal
Basal cells cuboidal or
columnar
Surface cells dome
shaped or
squamouslike,
depending on degree
of organ stretch

Secrete substances,
particularly mucus
Propulsion of mucus
by ciliary action

Stretches readily
Permits stored uterine
to distend urinary
organ

excretory ducts
Ciliated type lines
small bronchi, uterine
tubes, and some
regions of the uterus
Nonciliated type in
males sperm-carrying
ducts and ducts of
large glands
Ciliated type lines the
trachea and most of
the upper respiratory
tract
Lines the uterus,
bladder and part of
the urethra.