Epithelial Tissues
Epithelial tissues can be found in body coverings, body linings & glandular tissue.
The function of epithelial tissue to protect, absorb, filter and secrete. Cells in epithelial tissue fit closely together, forming sheets of tissue. The apical surface is the free surface of the tissue, while the lower surface of the epithelium rests on a "basement". |
Epithelial tissue is avascular ("without blood supply") and can regenerate easily as long as it is well nourished by a nearby blood supply.
Epithelial tissue is classified by number of layers as well as the shape of the cells.
Simple epithelium - single layer, good for diffusion, filtration & secretion; found in capillaries & alveoli Stratified epithelium - multiple layers, good for protection; found in skin, mouth, esophagus Squamous epithelium - flattened like a tile Cuboidal epithelium - cube-shaped Columnar epithelium - cylinder-shaped |