Anatomy and Physiology

Module 2A
Tissues: Basic Histology
Tissues – groups of specialized cells and the Lateral Surface – found between epithelial cells
extracellular substances surrounding them; its where the cells are attached to each other
structure and function are so closely related that a
Functions of Epithelia
tissue’s function can often be predicted when given
its structure, and vice versa The major functions of epithelia are:
Histology – microscopic study of tissue structure; 1. Protecting underlying structures
can identify abnormalities (including cancer) 2. Acting as a barrier
resulting from changes in a tissue 3. Permitting the passage of substances
4. Secreting substances (example: sweat
The Four Primary Tissue Types
glands, mucous glands, and the enzyme-
1. Epithelial Tissue secreting portion of the pancreas)
2. Connective Tissue 5. Absorbing substances (example: epithelial
3. Muscle Tissue cells of the intestines absorb digested food
4. Nervous Tissue molecules, vitamins, and ions)
Epithelial Tissue Classification of Epithelia
Epithelium – found virtually everywhere both Epithelial tissues are classified primarily according
inside and outside the body; primarily a cellular to the number of cell layers and the shape of the
tissue (there is very little extracellular material superficial cells.
between the cells); forms the layers that cover the
Three major types of epithelia based on the
surfaces and line the hollow organs of the body;
number of cell layers:
especially important in hollow organs with openings
to the outside environment because it protects 1. Simple Epithelium – consists of a single
against foreign materials entering the body; layer of cells, with each cell extending from
common characteristics of most types of the basement membrane to the free surface
epithelial tissue are: 2. Stratified Epithelium – consists of more
than one layer of cells, but only the deepest
1. Mostly composed of cells.
layer of cells attaches to the basement
2. Covers body surfaces – including the
membrane
exterior surface, lining of the digestive
3. Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium –
urinary, reproductive, and respiratory tracts,
a special type of simple epithelium; appears
heart and the blood vessels, and the linings
to be stratified but it is not and consists of
of many body cavities
one layer of cells, with all the cells attached
3. Has an exposed surface – surface that is
to the basement membrane; there appear to
exposed is called free surface/apical
be two or more layers of cells because
surface
some cells are tall and extend to the free
4. Attaches at the basal surface
surface, whereas others are shorter and do
5. Has specialized cell connections and matrix
not extend to the free surface
attachments
6. Is avascular – there are no blood vessels Three types of epithelia based on idealized shapes
found among the epithelial cells because of of the epithelial cells:
the close connections among them
7. Is capable of regeneration – undifferentiated 1. Squamous – flat or scale-like; pronounced:
cells (stem cells) continuously divide and skway-mus
produce new cells; in some types of 2. Cuboidal – cube-shaped; about as wide as
epithelial tissue, such as those in the skin they are tall
and the digestive tract, new cells 3. Columnar – tall and thin, similar to a
continuously replace cells that die column; tend to be taller than they are wide

Basal Surface – surface of the cells anchored in In most cases, an epithelium is given two names.
place; held in place through attachment to a The first name indicates the number of layers and
nonliving material that is somewhat like mortar for the second indicates the shape of the cells at the
brick called basement membrane free surface (Refer to Table 2.1 & 2.2).

Basement Membrane – composed of specialized Simple Squamous Epithelium – a single layer of

extracellular material secreted by the epithelial thin, flat cells; some substances easily pass
cells; plays an important role in supporting and through this thin layer of cells, but other substances
guiding cell migration during tissue repair; is do not
typically porous and regulates the movement of
substances to and from the epithelial above it
Simple Cuboidal Epithelium – a single layer of
cubelike cells that carry out active transport,
facilitated diffusion, or secretion
Simple Columnar Epithelium – a single layer of
tall, thin cells; the large size of these cells enables
them to perform complex functions
Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium – actually
a single layer of cells, but the cells appear to be
layered due to the differing heights of adjacent cells
and positions of their nuclei; provides protection for
the body
Stratified Squamous Epithelium – forms a thick
epithelium because it consists of several layers of
cells; deepest cells are cuboidal or columnar and
are capable of dividing and producing new cells; as
new cells are pushed to the surface, they become
flat and thin
Transitional Epithelium – a special type of
stratified epithelium that can stretch; in unstretched
state: consists of five or more layers of cuboidal or
columnar cells; as it is stretched, the cells flatten
and the number of cell layers decreases; lines
cavities that expand, such as the urinary bladder
The Relationship Between Structure and
Function of Epithelial Tissues
Number of Cell Layers and Cell Shapes
As the number of cell layers increase and the
shape of the cells becomes more robust, there is a
proportional increase in the degree of protection an
epithelia tissue provides and increased complexity
of the function it performs.
1. One layer of flat cells – best adapted for
areas of the body where filtration and
diffusion are common
2. One layer of cubelike cells – due to the
larger volume of these cell, has a greater
secretory capacity; can create tubes that
are sturdy and provide more protection
3.