Name:_____________________

HISTOLOGY

Epithelial tissues are classified based on shape of the cell and number of layers.
There are three types of epithelium based on shape; squamous, cuboidal and
columnar. The shape of the cell relates to the function of the tissue. See the
descriptions below. Epithelium is also classified based on the number of cell layers.
Simple epithelium refers to a tissue that is one cell layer thick, stratified refers to a
tissue that is several layers thick. Stratified epithelium being several layers thick is
found in area where more protection is needed.

Squamous cells - thin, flat cells that are ideal for filtration and diffusion.

Cuboidal cells - cube shaped cells with round nuclei, function in absorption and
secretion.

Columnar cells - tall cells with oval nuclei at the base of the cell, function in
absorption and secretion.

Fill in the following information as you examine the slides. Use your text book as a
reference. Think about where each tissue is found and how the tissue functions at
each location.

Simple Squamous Epithelium

1. Shape of cells
____________________________________________________

2. Number of cell layers

______________________________________________

State the functions on the tissue in the following locations:

1. Alveoli (air sacs) in lungs (site of gas exchange)

_________________________

2. Wall of capillaries (site of nutrient, gas and fluid exchange)

________________

______________________________________________________________

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

1. Shape of cells
____________________________________________________

2. Number of cell layers

______________________________________________
State the functions of the tissue in the following locations:

1. Lining tubules in kidneys

_____________________________________________

2. Secretory portion of glands

__________________________________________

Simple Columnar Epithelium

1. Shape of cells
____________________________________________________

2. Number of cell layers

______________________________________________

State the functions of the tissue in the following locations:

1. Lining lumen of stomach and intestines

________________________________

What is the function of the goblet cells in this tissue? ________________________

Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium

1. Shape of cells
____________________________________________________

2. Number of cell layers

______________________________________________

3. What membrane specialization on the free surface do you see in this tissue?
__________________

4. Why is this tissue called pseudostratified? _____________________________

5. What is the role of the goblet cells and cilia in this tissue?
__________________

________________________________________________________________

State the functions of the tissue in the following locations:

1. Bronchi and trachea ______________________________________________

Stratified Squamous Epithelium

1. Shape of cells
____________________________________________________
2. Number of cell layers
______________________________________________

State the functions of the tissue in the following locations:

1. Lining of mouth, anus, esophagus

_____________________________________

2. What is the advantage of having a stratified epithelium in these areas rather

than a simple epithelium?
__________________________________________________

Transitional Epithelium

1. Shape of cells
____________________________________________________

2. Number of cell layers

______________________________________________

Transitional epithelium has the ability to stretch and return to its original form, very

much like a rubber band. This tissue is found lining the urinary bladder and
ureters.

Why is the ability of the tissue to stretch important in these locations?

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