The Simple Squamous Epithelium, is a single layer of flattened cells that allows passage of materials by diffusion and filtration in sites where protection is not important.Some examples of a squamous epithelium are: Kidney glomeruli; air sacs of lungs; lining of heart, and blood vessels and many more.

Simple Columnar Epithelium, single layer of tall cells, with round to oval nuclei; some cells bear cilia; layer may contain mucus-secreting unicellular glands. Absorption; secretion of mucus. enzymes and other substances;ciliated type proples mucus by ciliary action.Location: nonciliated type lines most of the digestive tract, gallbladder, and excretory ducts of some glands; ciliated variety lines small bronchi, uterine tubes, and some regions of the uterus.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelium, single layer of cube-like cells with large spherical central nuclei. Two characteristics are secretion and absorption. Examples: Kidney tubules; ducts and secretory portions of small glands; ovary surface.




Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium,a single layer of cells with different heights; some do not reach the free surface.Function,secretion, particularly of mucus; propulsion of mucus by ciliary action.Present in the male sperm-carrying ducts (nonciliated) and trachea (ciliated).












Stratified Squamous Epithelium,thick membrane composed of several layers of cells. Function in protection of underlying areas subjected to abrasion.It forms the external part of the skin's epidermis (keratinized cells), and linings of the esophagus, mouth, and vagina (nonkeratinized cells).








Stratified Cubodial Epithelium,typically two cell layers thick.It is quite rare in the body.Found in some sweat and mammary glands.






Stratified Columnar Epithelium,limited distribution in the body. Found in the pharynx, male urethra, and lining some glandular ducts. Also occurs at transition areas between two other types of epithelia.









Transitional Epithelium,several cell layers, basal cells are cubodial, surface cells are dome shaped. Stretches to permit the distention of the urinary bladder. Lines the urinary bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra.