Epithelial Tissues

Tissues Introduction

a group of similar cells specialized to

carry on a particular function
tissue = cells + extracellular matrix
nonliving portion of a tissue that supports
cells

4 types
epithelial = protection, secretion, absorption
connective = support soft body parts and
bind structures together
muscle = movement
nervous = conducts impulses used to help
control and coordinate body activities

Epithelial Tissues
Characteristics

free surface open to the outside

or an open internal space
basement membrane anchors
epithelium to underlying
connective tissue
lack blood vessels
readily divide (ex. skin healing)
tightly packed with little
extracellular space

Epithelial
Classifications

classified based on shape and #

of cell layers
shape
squamous = thin, flat cells
cuboidal = cube-shaped cells
columnar = tall, elongated cells

number
simple = single layer
stratified = 2 or more layers

Epithelial Locations

cover body surfaces, cover and

line internal organs, and compose
glands
skin cells, cells that line the stomach
and small intestine, inside of your
mouth

Simple squamous
epithelium

a single layer of thin, flattened cells

look like a fried egg

easily damaged
common at sites of filtration,
diffusion, osmosis; cover surfaces
air sacs of the lungs, walls of
capillaries, linings of blood and
lymph vessels

Simple cuboidal
epithelium

single layer of cube-shaped cells

centrally located nucleus

secretion and absorption

surface of ovaries, linings of
kidney tubules, and linings of
ducts of certain glands

Simple columnar
epithelium

single layer of cells that are longer

than they are wide
nucleus located near basement mem.

ciliated or nonciliated
some have microvilli
goblet cells = secrete mucus
absorption, secretion, protection
linings of the uterus, stomach, and
intestine

Pseudostratified
columnar epithelium

appear stratified b/c nuclei are at

2 or more levels
NOT stratified b/c all cells touch
basement mem.

ciliated
goblet cells
protection, secretion, movement
of mucus
linings of respiratory system

Stratified squamous
epithelium

many layers of flattened cells

named based on appearance of
top layer of cells
protection
outer layers of skin, linings of oral
cavity, throat, vagina, and anal
canal

Stratified cuboidal
epithelium

2 or 3 layers of cuboidal cells

protection
linings of larger ducts of
mammary glands, sweat glands,
salivary glands, and pancreas

Stratified columnar
epithelium

protection and secretion

vas deferens, part of the male
urethra, parts of the pharynx
(throat)

Transitional epithelium

can stretch
distensibility (stretching),
protection
inner lining of urinary bladder and
linings of the ureters and part of
urethra

Glandular epithelium

cells that are specialized to

produce and secrete substances
into ducts or into body fluids
gland = 1 or more cuboidal or
columnar cell
secretion
salivary glands, sweat glands,
endocrine glands

Exocrine vs. Endocrine

exocrine = secrete sub. into ducts

that open onto surfaces
skin or linings of digestive tract

endocrine = secrete sub. into

tissue fluid or blood
hormones

Exocrine glands

merocrine = release watery,

protein-rich fluid by exocytosis
salivary glands, sweat glands

apocrine = lose small portions of

their cell body during secretion
mammary glands, ear wax

holocrine = entire cell lysis

(breaks apart) during secretion
sebaceous glands of the skin

Serous vs. Mucous

serous = typically watery with

lots of enzymes
lubrication

mucous = mucus

digestive and respiratory systems

protection