Epithelial Tissue

Dennis
Ivan
Bravo MD
Epithelial
Tissue
Dennis
Ivan
Bravo MD
 Outline
• General concept
• Lining Epithelium
• Subtypes and specific subtypes
• Surface modifications
• Lateral modifications
• Glandular epithelium
• Key concepts to remember
The four fundamental
tissues
•Epithelial
•Connective
•Muscle
•Nervous
What is an epithelial tissue?

• Thin tissues that cover all the exposed surfaces of

the body.

• Line internal closed cavities and body tubes that

communicate with the outside environment (GIT,
respiratory and GUT)

• Make up the secretory portions of glands and

their ducts

• Sensory receptive regions of certain sensory

organs (e.g. ear & nose)
 Function

• Absorption (e.g. the intestine)

• Secretion (e.g. glands)
• Sensory (e.g. neuroepithelium)
• Contractile (e.g. myoepithelial cells)
General characteristics

• Consists of closely packed cells

• Inside or outside lining of body areas.
• Little intercellular material.
• Avascular
• Rests on basement membrane
• High regenerative capacity, especially in epithelial
membranes, to replace continual sloughing of cells
from free surface.
Two kinds of epithelial tissue

• Lining epithelium covers outside surfaces

of the body and lines internal organs

• Glandular epithelium secretes hormones

or other products
 Lining epithelium
Subtypes (Based on layers)

1 Simple Single layer of cells

2 Stratified Multiple layers of cells

3 Pseudostratified
Single layer of cells
but appear like stratified
 Lining epithelium
Subtypes (Based on layers)

1 Simple Single layer of cells

2 Stratified Multiple layers of cells

3 Pseudostratified
Single layer of cells
but appear like stratified
1 Simple

2 Stratified

3 Pseudostratified
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

• Single layer of cells

• Direct contact with the basement
• Common apical surface.
• Alveoli of lungs, kidney, thyroid, female reproductive system and
in the digestive tract
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Allows for rapid diffusion

across the epithelium.

Forms the lining of blood

vessels, alveoli of the
lungs, and internal body
cavities
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Allows for rapid diffusion Lines, secretes and

across the epithelium. absorbs

Forms the lining of blood Forms the lining of the

vessels, alveoli of the thyroid follicle
lungs, and internal body
cavities
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Allows for rapid diffusion Lines, secretes and Lines, secretes and
across the epithelium. absorbs absorbs

Forms the lining of blood Forms the lining of the Forms the lining of the
vessels, alveoli of the thyroid follicle intestines and gall
lungs, and internal body bladder
cavities
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Kidney Thyroid Gallbladder

 1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Glomerolus
Parietal Layer of
Bowman’s Capsule

Kidney Thyroid Gallbladder

 1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Kidney Thyroid Gallbladder

 1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Epithelial Cells

Kidney Thyroid Gallbladder

 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

1 Simple Simple columnar

Simple cuboidal
Simple squamous

Kidney Thyroid Gallbladder

1 Simple

2 Stratified

3 Pseudostratified
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

2 Stratified Stratified columnar

Stratified squamous Stratified cuboidal

• Only one layer is in direct contact with basement membrane.

• Only one layer of cells has the apical surface
• Protective role
• Stratified squamous epithelia are found in skin, oesophagus,
vagina
• Stratified cuboidal epithelia are found in ducts of many glands
• Stratified columnar epithelia are rare
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

2 Stratified Stratified columnar

Stratified squamous Stratified cuboidal

Protects from physical abrasion

and prevents desiccation

1. Nonkeratinized (moist). Lining

of wet cavities, including the
mouth, esophagus, rectum, and
anal canal; surface cells are
nucleated and living.

2. Keratinized (dry). Epidermis of

the skin; surface cells are
nonliving.
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

2 Stratified Stratified columnar

Stratified squamous Stratified cuboidal

Protects from physical abrasion

and prevents desiccation Lines, secretes and
absorbs
1. Nonkeratinized (moist). Lining
of wet cavities, including the
mouth, esophagus, rectum, and Lines exocrine ducts
anal canal; surface cells are
nucleated and living.

2. Keratinized (dry). Epidermis of

the skin; surface cells are
nonliving.
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

2 Stratified Stratified columnar

Stratified squamous Stratified cuboidal

Protects from physical abrasion

and prevents desiccation Lines, secretes and Lines, secretes and
absorbs absorbs
1. Nonkeratinized (moist). Lining
of wet cavities, including the
mouth, esophagus, rectum, and Lines exocrine ducts Rare.
anal canal; surface cells are
nucleated and living. Lines exocrine ducts
2. Keratinized (dry). Epidermis of
the skin; surface cells are
nonliving.
 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

2 Stratified Stratified columnar

Stratified squamous Stratified cuboidal

Epidermis Sweat gland Parotid gland duct

 2 Stratified
Stratified columnar

Stratified squamous Stratified cuboidal

Epidermis Sweat gland Parotid gland duct

 S P E C I F I C S U B T Y P E S

2 Stratified Stratified columnar

Stratified squamous Stratified cuboidal

Epidermis Sweat gland Parotid gland duct

1 Simple

2 Stratified

3 Pseudostratified
3 Pseudostratified

• Protective function
• Cells appear stratified, or layered, because they
are so tightly packed together that their nuclei
are forced into what looks like two or more
layers.
• Most commonly found along respiratory airways.
• Cells contain cilia on their apical surface.
3 Pseudostratified

Trachea
3 Pseudostratified
3 Pseudostratified

Trachea
1 Simple

2 Stratified

3 Pseudostratified
1 Simple

2 Stratified

3 Pseudostratified

4 Transitional
4 Transitional

• Stratified epithelium
• Protective function; constructed to expand with
distension of the hollow organs it lines
• Shape of the surface cells changes (undergoes
transitions) depending on the degree of stretch.
• When a not stretched cells of the surface layers are
large and rounded.
• When stretched the cells of the surface layers are
pulled into a flatter shape.
 Surface specializations

1 Microvilli

2 Stereocilia

3 Cilia
 Surface specializations
1 Microvilli

• Collectively, are called a brush or striated

border
• Relatively nonmotile
• Increase surface area for absorption
• Prominent on cells lining the digestive tract
and proximal tubules in the kidney
 Surface specializations
1 Microvilli

Kidney Ileum
 Surface specializations
1 Microvilli

Kidney Ileum
 Surface specializations

1 Microvilli

2 Stereocilia

3 Cilia
 Surface specializations
2 Stereocilia

• Large, nonmotile microvilli; not cilia

• Contain a core of actin microfilaments

• Increase surface area

• Present on cells lining the epididymis and ductus

deferens in the male reproductive tract
 Surface specializations
2 Stereocilia

Epididymis Ductus Deferens

 Surface specializations
2 Stereocilia

Epididymis Ductus Deferens

 Surface specializations

1 Microvilli

2 Stereocilia

3 Cilia
 Surface specializations
3 Cilia

• Multiple motile hair-like extensions from free surface of

the cell; 7–10 microns in height

• Highly motile; beat in a wave-like motion

• Function to propel material along the surface of the

epithelium (e.g., in the respiratory system and the
oviduct of the female reproductive system)
 Surface specializations
3 Cilia

Trachea Oviduct
 Surface specializations
3 Cilia

Trachea Oviduct
Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
1 Tight junction

2 Adherens junction

3 Gap junction
 Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
1 Tight junction
• Zonula occludens

• Belt-like, barrier junction around apex of the cell

• Provides close apposition of adjacent plasma membranes and occludes the

intercellular space

• Prevents diffusion of material between the intercellular space and the

lumen of the organ
Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
1 Tight junction
Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
1 Tight junction

2 Adherens junction

3 Gap junction
 Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
2 Adherens junction

• Zonula adherens

• Hold together epithelial cell.

• Lies below the tight junction

• Inside the cell, actin filaments join up the the adhesion junctions.
Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
2 Adherens junction
Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
1 Tight junction

2 Adherens junction

3 Gap junction
 Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
3 Gap junction

• Intercellular channels some 1.5–2 nm in diameter.

• Permit the passage between the cells of ions and small

molecules.

• Constructed from 6 copies of transmembrane

proteins called connexins.
Membrane specialisation
on lateral surface
3 Gap junction
Glandular epithelium
Develop from lining epithelium
Formed by cells specialized to produce a fluid
secretion
Glandular epithelium forms two kinds of glands:
Glandular epithelium
Develop from lining epithelium
Formed by cells specialized to produce a fluid
secretion
Glandular epithelium forms two kinds of glands:

1 Exocrine
Glandular epithelium
Develop from lining epithelium
Formed by cells specialized to produce a fluid
secretion
Glandular epithelium forms two kinds of glands:

1 Exocrine

2 Endocrine
Glandular epithelium
Develop from lining epithelium
Formed by cells specialized to produce a fluid
secretion
Glandular epithelium forms two kinds of glands:

1
Secrete their substances into
Exocrine tubes, or ducts

2 Endocrine
Glandular epithelium
Develop from lining epithelium
Formed by cells specialized to produce a fluid
secretion
Glandular epithelium forms two kinds of glands:

1
Secrete their substances into
Exocrine tubes, or ducts

2
Secrete hormones directly into
Endocrine bloodstream
Glandular epithelium
1 Exocrine

Histologically, composed from two parts:

A. Secretory portion (portio secretoria) – contains the
cells responsible for the secretory process
B. System of ducts (ductus glandulae) – transport the
secretion to the exterior of the gland
1 Exocrine
1 Exocrine
1 Exocrine
1 Exocrine

Can be classified
functionally according to
secretory mechanism
 Classification of exocrine glands

1 Exocrine Can be classified functionally

(1) Functional classification according to secretory mechanism

according to secretory mechanism

● on the basis how the secretory product is released

A- MEROCRINE/ECCRINE SECRETION
► the secretory product is released by exocytosis = secretory
cell without any further loss of cell substance; (e.g. pancreas, saliv

A. Merocrine/Eccrine
B- APOCRINE SECRETION
►the apical part of cytoplasm of the cells is lost together with the secretory product;
(e.g. female mammary gland)

B- APOCRINE SECRETION
►the apical part of cytoplasm of the cells is lost together with the secretory product;
(e.g. female mammary gland)

C- HOLOCRINE SECRETION
►breakdown and discharge of the entire secretory cell and its product; (e.g.

B. Apocrine sebaceous glands of the skin)

C- HOLOCRINE SECRETION
►breakdown and discharge of the entire secretory cell and its product; (e.g.
sebaceous glands of the skin)

C. Holocrine
(2) Histological classification according to duct system:
A. Merocrine/Eccrine

• Secretory product
is released by
exocytosis

• Pancreas, salivary
glands
A. Merocrine/Eccrine
 B. Apocrine

• Apical part of cytoplasm of the cells is lost

together with the secretory product
OCRINE SECRETION
apical part of cytoplasm of the cells is lost together with the secretory
• Female
emale mammary mammary gland
gland)
B. Apocrine
 C- HOLOCRINE SECRETION
►breakdown and discharge of the entire secretory cell and
C. Holocrine
sebaceous glands of the skin)

• Breakdown and
discharge of the
entire secretory
cell and its
product

• Sebaceous glands
of the skin
C. Holocrine
 Classification of exocrine glands

1 Exocrine Can be classified functionally

(1) Functional classification according to secretory mechanism

according to secretory mechanism

● on the basis how the secretory product is released

A- MEROCRINE/ECCRINE SECRETION
► the secretory product is released by exocytosis = secretory
cell without any further loss of cell substance; (e.g. pancreas, saliv

A. Merocrine/Eccrine
B- APOCRINE SECRETION
►the apical part of cytoplasm of the cells is lost together with the secretory product;
(e.g. female mammary gland)
B- APOCRINE SECRETION
►the apical part of cytoplasm of the cells is lost together with the secretory product;
(e.g. female mammary gland)

B. Apocrine C- HOLOCRINE SECRETION

►breakdown and discharge of the entire secretory cell and its product; (e.g.
sebaceous glands of the skin)
C- HOLOCRINE SECRETION
►breakdown and discharge of the entire secretory cell and its product; (e.g.
sebaceous glands of the skin)

C. Holocrine
1 Exocrine

Can be classified according to

morphology
1 Exocrine Can be classified according to
morphology
1 Exocrine Can be classified functionally
according to morphology
1 Exocrine Can be classified functionally
according to morphology
 Key concepts to
remember

• Epithelial tissue is one of four fundamental

tissue types

• Lining or Glandular
 Key concepts to
remember
• Lining epithelium is divided into four
subtypes

• Simple
• Stratified
• Pseudostratified
• Transitional
 Key concepts to
remember

• Specific subtype is based on

• Layers
• Shapes
 Key concepts to
remember
• Glandular epithelium: invaginations of lining
epithelium

• Secretory
• Classified based on morphology or type of
secretion
 Key concepts to
remember
• Secretory mechanism
• Merocrine
• Apocrine
• Holocrine
The end
Epithelial
Tissue
Virtual Lab
Dennis
Ivan
Bravo MD
 Epithelial
Tissue
Dennis
Ivan
PART 1 Bravo MD