Medical Histology with

Microtechniques Laboratory
Activity 3

Epithelial tissues

Introduction

A tissue is composed of a layer or group of cells similar in size, shape, and function.
Within the human body, there are four major types of tissues: (1) epithelial, which cover
the body’s external and internal surfaces and most glands; (2) connective, which bind
and support parts; (3) muscle, which make movement possible; and (4) nervous, which
conduct impulses from one part of the body to another and help to control and coordinate body
activities.Epithelial tissues are tightly packed single (simple) to multiple (stratified) layers
of cells that provide protective barriers. The underside of this tissue layer contains an acellu-
lar basement membrane layer of adhesives and collagen with which the epithelial cells anchor to
an underlying connective tissue. A unique type of simple epithelium, pseudostratified columnar,
appears to be multiple cells thick. However, this is a false appearance because all cells bind to
the basement membrane. The cells readily divide and lack blood vessels (are avascular).

Epithelial cells always have a free (apical) surface exposed to the outside or to
an open space internally and a basal surface that attaches to the basement membrane.
Many shapes of the cells, like squamous (flat), cuboidal, and columnar, exist that are used to
name and identify the varia-tions. Epithelial cell functions include protection, filtration,
secretion, and absorption. Many of the prepared slides con-tain more than the tissue to be
studied, so be certain that your view matches the correct tissue. Also be aware that stained colors
of all tissues might vary.

The slides you observe might have representative tis-sue from more than one site,
but the basic tissue structure will be similar to those represented in this laboratory exer-cise.
Simple squamous epithelium is located in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs and inner linings of
the heart and blood vessels. Simple cuboidal epithelium is situated in kidney tubules,
thyroid gland, liver, and ducts of salivary glands. A nonciliated type of simple columnar
epithelium is located in the linings of the uterus, stomach, and intestines, and a ciliated
type lines the uterine tubes. A ciliated type of pseu-dostratified columnar epithelium is
positioned in the linings of the upper respiratory tubes. A keratinized type of stratified squamous
epithelium is found in the epidermis of the skin, and a nonkeratinized type in the linings of
the oral cavity, esophagus, vagina, and anal canal. Transitional epithelium lines the urinary
bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra
Objectives

1. To review the characteristics of epithelial tissues and to observe examples.

2. Identify and sketch six examples of epithelial tissues on microscope slides.
3. Differentiate the special characteristics of each type of epithelial tissue.
4. Indicate a location and function of each type of epithe-lial tissue.
5. Inventory the general characteristics of epithelial tissues that you were able to observe

Materials

1. Microscope
2. Tissue slide (epithelial tissue)
3. Colored pencils (to differentiate various cellular structures)

Procedures: Kinds of epithelial tissue

1. Use the microscope to observe the prepared slides of types of epithelial tissues. As you
observe each tissue, look for its special distinguishing features such as cell size, shape,
and arrangement. Compare your prepared slides of epithelial tissues to the micrographs
in Histology atlas.
2. As you observe the tissues in histological atlas (or Google) and the prepared slides, note
characteristics epithelial tissues have in common. List characteristics you were able to
observe.
3. In the space below, sketch all types of epithelial tissues as you observed. For each
sketch, label the major characteristics, indicate the magnification used, write an example
of a location in the body, and provide a function.
4. Test your ability to recognize each type of epithelial tissue. To do this, have a
laboratory partner select one of the prepared slides, cover its label, and focus the
microscope on the tissue. Then see if you can correctly identify the tissue.
 TYPES OF EPITHELIAL TISSUES

Flattened
Nucleous
Basement
membrane

Connective
Tissue

Simple Squamous Epithelium

Magnification Location Function

Simple squamous epithelium cells are flat
Found in the walls of
in shape and arranged in a single layer.
capillaries, linings of the
100 X This single layer is thin enough to form a
pericardium, and the linings
membrane that compounds can move
of the alveoli of the lungs.
through via passive diffusion.

Lumen Nucleus

Connective
Basement Tissue
membrane

Tubule
Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Magnification Location Function

Simple cuboidal epithelium consists of
Found in the small
single layer cells that are as tall as they are
collecting ducts of the
100 X wide. The important functions of the
kidneys, pancreas, and
simple cuboidal epithelium are secretion
salivary glands.
and absorption.

Microvilli Goblet Cell

(free surface of containing mucus
tissue)
Basement Nucleus
membrane

Connective
Tissue

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Magnification Location Function

Simple columnar epithelium is a single
row of tall, closely packed cells, aligned in
Found in areas with high a row. The main function of simple
secretory function (such as columnar epithelial cells are protection.
100 X the digestive tract, wall of For example, the epithelium in the
the stomach), or absorptive stomach and digestive tract provides an
areas (as in small intestine ). impermeable barrier against any bacteria
that could be ingested but is permeable to
any necessary ions.

Dome Tops
Lumen of
Urinary bladder Nucleus

Lamina propria

Connective
Basement
Tissue
membrane

Transitional Epithelium

Magnification Location Function

The cells of the transitional epithelia are
specialized to protect underlying tissues
Almost exclusively found in from the hypertonic and potentially
100 X the bladder, ureters, and cytotoxic effects of urine. The
urethra. morphological features of the cells allow
distension of transitional epithelium as the
urinary bladder fills and stretches.
Cilia

Cytoplasm
Basement
membrane
 Nucleus
Connective
Tissue

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Magnification Location Function

Responsible for protecting foreign
Mainly found in the larger particles, transport of substances, secretion
respiratory airways of the of mucus, and absorption of excess fluid.
100 X
nasal cavity, trachea, and The division of the pseudostratified
bronchi. columnar epithelium is based on the
presence or absence of cilia.

Lumen Nucleus

Basement
Free surface
membrane
tissue
Connective
Tissue
Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

Magnification Location Function

A rare type of epithelial tissue composed
Sweat glands, salivary of cuboidal shaped cells arranged in
100 X glands, and mammary multiple layers. They protect areas such as
glands ducts of sweat glands, mammary glands,
and salivary glands.

Free surface
tissue
Nucleus
Basement
membrane

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Magnification Location Function

Stratified epithelium differs from simple
Lines the esophagus, mouth,
100 X epithelium by being multilayered. It
and vagina
protects against abrasion.