Histology Tissue Table
Simple Epithelia
(one layer) Components Function Location
Simple squamous
epithelium
-single layer of flat cells
-flattened, central nuclei
-provides barrier where gases &
fluids can be exchanged
-Produces serous fluid
-Air sacs of lungs
-parts of kidney
- lining of ventral body
cavities & blood vessels
Simple cuboidal
epithelium
-single layer of cube
shaped cells
-round, central nuclei
-absorption
-secretion of mucus & other
substances
-Lower respiratory
passages
-Kidney tubules
-Thyroid, salivary, &
mammary gland
Simple columnar
epithelium
-single layer of
rectangular cells
- oval shape basal nuclei
-Absorption
-secretion of mucus & other
substances
-Propulsion of egg through uterine
tube
-digestive tract from
stomach to anus
-gallbladder
-certain kidney tubules
Pseudostratified
columnar
epithelium
-single layer of columnar
cells of different heights,
giving a stratified
appearance
-cilia
-Secretes mucus & propels it with
ciliary motion
-Nasal cavity
-Parts of male urethra
-Upper respiratory
passages
Stratified
Epithelia
(two or more
layers)
Components Function Location
Stratified
squamous
epithelium
Keratinized:
-apical cells dead, flaky &
filled with keratin
-cuboidal to squamous-
shaped basal cells
-Protection from mechanical
stresses & microorganisms
-Prevents most water loss through
skin
-Epidermis
Nonkeratinized:
-Apical cells living & very
flat
- Cells more cuboidal
towards basal layers
-Protection from mechanical
stresses & microorganisms
-Mouth, pharynx,
superior larynx,
esophagus
-Vagina
-Anal canal
Stratified
cuboidal
epithelium
-Two or more layers of
cuboidal cells
-Some absorption & secretion -Ducts of sweat glands
