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2.5: Classification by number of layers of cells

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    10078
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    Simple epithelium

    Simple epithelium is a single layer of cells with every cell in direct contact with the basement membrane. It can serve many functions, including absorption, filtration and protection. The thinness of the epithelial barrier facilitates easy movement of molecules across into another compartment.

    In general, simple epithelial tissues are classified by the shape of their cells. The four major classes of simple epithelium are as follows:

    1. Simple squamous: this type is found in lining areas where passive diffusion of gases occur, such as walls of capillaries and alveoli of the lungs. Endothelium is the special term used for simple squamous epithelium that lines the inside surface of a vascular structure.
    2. Simple cuboidal: these cells may have secretory, absorptive, or excretory functions. This type of epithelium can be seen in the tubules of kidney, and the secretory ducts of the pancreas and salivary gland.
    3. Simple columnar: found in areas with extremely high secretory activity (as in the inside lining of the stomach), or absorptive activity (as in small intestine). This type of epithelium often possess apical modifications such as the microvilli in the small intestine, or cilia found in some areas of the female reproductive tract).
    4. Pseudostratified epithelium: this type of epithelium is almost exclusively located in the larger respiratory airways of the nasal cavity, trachea and bronchi. For this reason, it is often also called respiratory epithelium.

    An interactive or media element has been excluded from this version of the text. You can view it online here:
    https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/vethisto/?p=64

    FIGURE(S): Epithelium Classification by Number of Layers of Cells

    Stratified epithelium

    Stratified epithelium differs from simple epithelium in that it is multilayered. It is therefore found where body linings have to withstand mechanical or chemical insult such that layers can be abraded and lost without exposing subepithelial layers.


    2.5: Classification by number of layers of cells is shared under a CC BY-NC-ND license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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