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Epithelium
Epithelial cells cover or line all body surfaces, cavities and tubes. So,
these are called covering epithelia.
Epithelial cells form the functional units of secretory glands. So,
these are called glandular epithelia.
Functions of Epithelium
• To protect the tissues that lie beneath it from radiation, desiccation,
toxins, invasion by pathogens, and physical trauma.
• The regulation and exchange of chemicals between the underlying
tissues and a body cavity.
• The secretion of hormones into the blood vascular system, and/or the
secretion of sweat, mucus, enzymes, and other products that are
delivered by ducts glandular epithelium.
• Absorbs stomach and intestinal lining(gut).
• Filters the kidney.
• Forms secretary glands.
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Classification of epithelium
Terminologies
1) Simple: Cells are found in a single layer attached to the basement membrane
2) Stratified: Cells are found in 2 or more layers stacked atop each other
3) Pseudostratified: a single layer of cells that appears to be multiple layers due
to variance in height and location of the nuclei in the cells.
4) Transitional: cells are rounded and can slide across one another to allow
stretching.
5) Squamous (Latin, squama-scale):flat, thin, scale like cells
6) Cuboidal cells: that have a basic cube shape. Typically the cell's height and
width are about equal.
7) Columnar : tall, rectangular or column shaped cells. Typically taller than
they are wide.
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Simple Epithelia
• Simple epithelium consists of a single layer of cells.
• They are typically present where absorption, secretion and filtration occur.
The thinness of the epithelial barrier facilitates these processes.
• Simple epithelial tissues are generally classified by the shape of their cells.
• The four major classes of simple epithelium are:
1) Simple Squamous
2) Simple Cuboidal
3) Simple Columnar
4) Pseudostratified
Simple Squamous
• Simple squamous epithelium cells are flat in shape
• Arranged in a single layer.
• This single layer is thin enough to form a membrane that
compounds can move through via passive diffusion.
• This epithelial type is found in the walls of capillaries, linings of
the pericardium, and the linings of the alveoli of the lungs.
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Simple Cuboidal
• Simple cuboidal epithelium consists of a single layer cells
that are as tall as they are wide.
• The important functions of the simple cuboidal epithelium are
secretion and absorption.
• This epithelial type is found in the small collecting ducts of
the kidneys, pancreas, and salivary glands.
Simple Columnar
• Simple columnar epithelium is a single row of tall, closely
packed cells, aligned in a row.
• Found in areas with high secretory function (such as the wall of
the stomach), or absorptive areas (as in small intestine).
• They possess cellular extensions (e.g., microvilli in the small
intestine, or the cilia found almost exclusively in the female
reproductive tract).
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Pseudo Stratified
These are simple columnar epithelial cells whose nuclei appear at different
heights, giving the misleading (hence pseudo) impression that the epithelium is
stratified when the cells are viewed in cross section.
Pseudo stratified epithelium can also possess fine hair-like extensions of their
apical (luminal) membrane called cilia.
In this case, the epithelium is described as ciliated pseudo stratified epithelium.
Ciliated epithelium is found in the airways (nose,
bronchi), but is also found in the uterus and fallopian
tubes of females, where the cilia propel the ovum to the
uterus.
Stratified Epithelium
Stratified epithelium differs from simple epithelium by being
multilayered.
It is therefore found where body linings have to withstand mechanical
or chemical insults.
Stratified epithelia are more durable and protection is one their major
functions.
Since stratified epithelium consists of two or more layers, the basal
cells divide and push towards the apex, and in the process flatten the
apical cells.
Stratified epithelia can be columnar, cuboidal, or squamous type.
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Keratinized Epithelia
• In keratinized epithelia, the most apical layers (exterior) of cells
are dead and lose their nucleus and cytoplasm.
• They contain a tough, resistant protein called keratin.
• This specialization makes the epithelium waterproof, and it is
abundant in mammalian skin.
• The lining of the esophagus is an example of a non-keratinized or
moist stratified epithelium.
Transitional Epithelia
• Transitional epithelia are found in tissues that stretch and it can
appear to be stratified cuboidal when the tissue is not stretched, or
stratified squamous when the organ is distended and the tissue
stretches.
• It is sometimes called the urothelium since it is almost exclusively
found in the bladder, ureters, and urethra.