EPITHELIAL TISSUE STRUCTURE: FUNCTION:
Summary of Mammalian Tissues:
a) Simple squamous epithelium Single, flat nucleus Allows faster diffusion/osmosis
No intracellular air spaces; tightly Makes internal surfaces smooth
packed Reduces frictions
Occurs on: the alveoli, the mouth,
lines the heart chambers and blood
vessels
Rests on thin sheet of connective
tissue = basement membrane
b) Cuboidal epithelium Cubic cells Ciliated = Secretory function
No intracellular air spaces (secretes useful substances into the
Single round nucleus in centre of body)
cell Non-ciliated = secretion, absorption,
Found in glands e.g., thyroid gland, excretion
liver and renal tubules
Basement membrane
c) Columnar epithelium Elongated cells Non-ciliated = absorption; may be
Oval nucleus near base of cell sensory (in ear, nose and taste
Has goblet cells that secrete mucus buds)
Forms the mucus membrane of Ciliated = wavelike movements play
digestive tract, lines the urethra, a role in the expulsion of mucous
vas deferens, prostate gland and (respiratory passages) and the
uterus movement of egg cells down
Basement membrane fallopian tubes (female reproductive
Ciliated columnar have cilia system)
Summary of Mammalian Tissues:
a) Simple squamous epithelium Single, flat nucleus Allows faster diffusion/osmosis
No intracellular air spaces; tightly Makes internal surfaces smooth
packed Reduces frictions
Occurs on: the alveoli, the mouth,
lines the heart chambers and blood
vessels
Rests on thin sheet of connective
tissue = basement membrane
b) Cuboidal epithelium Cubic cells Ciliated = Secretory function
No intracellular air spaces (secretes useful substances into the
Single round nucleus in centre of body)
cell Non-ciliated = secretion, absorption,
Found in glands e.g., thyroid gland, excretion
liver and renal tubules
Basement membrane
c) Columnar epithelium Elongated cells Non-ciliated = absorption; may be
Oval nucleus near base of cell sensory (in ear, nose and taste
Has goblet cells that secrete mucus buds)
Forms the mucus membrane of Ciliated = wavelike movements play
digestive tract, lines the urethra, a role in the expulsion of mucous
vas deferens, prostate gland and (respiratory passages) and the
uterus movement of egg cells down
Basement membrane fallopian tubes (female reproductive
Ciliated columnar have cilia system)
