Diploma of Homoeopathic Pharmacy DHP 1ST YEAR
Subject – Anatomy and physiology
Prepared by- Dr. Monika Singh
Topic- Epithelial Tissue Lecture no- 09
Epithelial Tissue
The human body consists of four types of tissue: epithelial,
connective, muscular, and nervous. Epithelial tissue covers the
body, lines all cavities, and composes the glands.
Key Points
Epithelial tissue is composed of cells laid together in sheets with the
cells tightly connected to one another. Epithelial layers are avascular,
but innervated.
Epithelial cells have two surfaces that differ in both structure and
function.
Glands, such as exocrine and endocrine, are composed of epithelial
tissue and classified based on how their secretions are released.
Types of Epithelial Tissue
Epithelial tissues are identified by both the number of layers and the shape
of the cells in the upper layers. There are eight basic types of epithelium:
six of them are identified based on both the number of cells and their
shape; two of them are named by the type of cell (squamous) found in
them.
Epithelial tissue is classified based on the number of cells, the shape of
those cells, and the types of those cells
Epithelial Tissue Cells
Cells Locations Function
Allows materials to
Simple squamous Air sacs of the
pass through by
epithelium lungs and the lining of
diffusion and filtration,
the heart, blood vessels
and secretes
and lymphatic vessels
lubricating substances
Simple cuboidal
epithelium In ducts and secretory
portions of small glands Secretes and absorbs
and in kidney tubules
Simple columnar
Ciliated tissues
epithelium
including the bronchi,
uterine tubes, and Absorbs; it also
uterus; smooth secretes mucous and
(nonciliated tissues) are enzymes.
in the digestive tract
bladder
Pseudostratified
columnar epithelium
Ciliated tissue lines the Secrete mucous;
trachea and much of the ciliated tissue moves
upper respiratory tract mucous
Epithelial Tissue Cells
Cells Locations Function
Stratified
squamous epithelium Lines the esophagus, Protects against
mouth, and vagina abrasion
Stratified cuboidal
epithelium
Sweat glands, salivary
glands, and mammary Protective tissue
glands
Stratified columnar
epithelium
The male urethra and
the ducts of some Secretes and protects
glands.
Transitional epithelium
Allows the urinary
Lines the bladder,
organs to expand and
urethra and ureters
stretch
Functions of the Epithelium
Epithelia tissue forms boundaries between different environments, and
nearly all substances must pass through the epithelium. In its role as an
interface tissue, epithelium accomplishes many functions, including:
1. Protection for the underlying tissues from radiation, desiccation,
toxins, and physical trauma.
2. Absorption of substances in the digestive tract lining with distinct
modifications.
3. Regulation and excretion of chemicals between the underlying
tissues and the body cavity.
4. The secretion of hormones into the blood vascular system. The
secretion of sweat, mucus, enzymes, and other products that are
delivered by ducts come from the glandular epithelium.
5. The detection of sensation.
