Normal epithelium

By: Dr. Ahmad Abubakr

PGT Histopathology
Definition:
An epithelium is a type of animal tissue made up
of densely packed cells (called epithelial cells) that rest
on a basement membrane.

Epithelium forms continuous sheets of cells that

line internal surfaces of hollow organs and cover the
external surface of the body.
It is a selective barrier that protects tissues and is
often involved in absorption or secretion.
A basement membrane separates an epithelium
from the underlying connective tissue.
 Classification of Epithelium
• Can be classified as:

1. Number of cell layers

• Simple (single layer of cells)
• Stratified (more than one layer of cells)
• Pseudostratified

2. Cell shape
• Squamous
• Cuboidal
• Columnar
• Transitional
3. Specialisations:
• Microvilli
• Cilia
• Keratin
• Goblet cells

4. Types:
• Covering epithelium
• Glandular epithelium
Simple squamous epithelium:

• Single layer of cells

• cells are flat, width is much greater than height.
• Commonly found in alveoli of lungs, blood
vessels
• Plays role in diffusion
Simple cuboidal epithelium:

• Single layer of cells

• cells appear approximately square
• Commonly found in PCT and DCT of
kidneys, thyroid follicles
• Plays role in absorption and secretion
Simple columnar epithelium:

• single layer of cells with nuclei at same level

• height is greater than width
• Can be ciliated and non ciliated
• Commonly found in trachea, bronchi, alimentary
canal and uterine tubes
• Plays role in absorption and movement of
mucus
Pseudostratified epithelium:

• Single layer of cells but nuclei are at different

levels so apparently looks more than one layer
• All cells rest on basement membrane, but all
cells don't reach the surface
• Located in upper respiratory tract
• Secretes and moves mucus
Transitional epithelium:

• A special form of epithelium, in which the cells can

alter their shape.
• When the epithelium is relaxed they appear
cuboidal but when stretched they appear
squamous.
• Found in urinary tract
Stratified squamous epithelium:

• Two or more layers of cells

• Located in skin, mouth, esophagus
and vagina
• Protects against abrasions
Stratified cuboidal epithelium:

• Two or more layers of cells

• Found in sweat glands and salivary glands
Stratified columnar epithelium:

• Two or more layers of cells

• Located in urethra and some glands
Microvilli:

• Fine, finger-like projections

which contain a central core of
microfilaments
• Increase the apical surface area
in cells.
• They help absorption (e.g.
intestinal cells).
Cilia:

• Long, motile projections of the apical

surface.
• These are longer than microvilli.
• Contain a core of microtubules and
beat synchronously.
• Found on cells lining the upper
respiratory tract
• Their rhythmic beating moves mucus
upwards in the respiratory tract.
Keratin:

• It is a filamentous protein
secreted by the epithelial
cells.
• Found in areas susceptible
to abrasion and water loss
(e.g skin)
Goblet cells:

• Type of glandular epithelium

• Epithelial cells are specialised
for secretions
• They secrete mucus onto the
apical surface
• Located in GI tract