LABORATORY ACTIVITY NO.

EPITHELIAL TISSUES

I. Desired learning outcomes

A tissue is a complex assemblage of cells and cell products that have a common function.
The many body tissues are grouped according to their cells and cell products into four basic
types: epithelial, connective, muscular, and nervous.
Epithelial tissues are composed of closely arranged polyhedral cells with very little
extracellular substance. These cells have strong adhesion and form cellular sheets that cover the
surface of the body and line its cavities. The principal function of epithelial tissue includes:
covering, lining, and protecting surfaces; absorption; secretion; and contractility.
After performing this activity, students should be able to:
a. list the principal functions of epithelial tissues;
b. know the types of epithelial tissues;
c. list the structural and functional characteristics of epithelial tissues that distinguishes them
from other cell types.

II. Materials
1. Microscope
2. Prepared slides

III. Procedure (Use prepared slides given for the Observation and Discussion)
1. Place the microscope on the working table in front of you.
2. Obtain a prepared slide and place it on the stage.
3. Adjust the eyepiece according to your own personal measurements.
4. Focus with a 4x or 10x objective lens.
5. Switch the high-power objective into position and focus.
6. Carefully examine the slide. Note the different features of the examined tissue section.

IV. Discussion
Guide Questions

1. Give the different types, structural and functional characteristics of epithelial tissues and
their location in the body.
I. Observation/Results

Stratified squamous epithelium layer

Flattened squamous
cell at apical surface

Basement membrane

Connective tissue

Figure 1. Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Goblet cell containing mucus

Nucleus

Basement membrane

Connective tissue

Simple columnar
epithelium

Figure 2. Frog Single Columnar Epithelium

 Connective tissue
Cuboidal epithelial cell

Lumen

Nucleus of cuboidal cell

Figure 3. Mammal Simple Cuboidal epithelium

II. Discussion
Jonusaite et al. (2016) pointed out that epithelial tissues are specialized cells that form
the protective lining of internal and external surfaces of the body. They play an important role
in maintaining the stability and integrity of the body's internal environment.

Figure 1 depicts a drawing of a cross-section of stratified squamous epithelium viewed

under the high-power objective. The epithelial cells form multiple layers, with the uppermost
layer consisting of flat, keratinized cells that are ready to be shed. The thickness of the layers
gradually increases towards the bottom, with the basement membrane serving as the
attachment point between the epithelium and the underlying connective tissue. Figure 2
depicts a drawing of the columnar epithelium of a frog from an image using a high-power
objective. The cells are seen to be arranged in tall, column-like structures and appear elongated
in shape. Furthermore, the cells have their apical surface facing the lumen or the internal space
of the organ and the basal surface attached to the basement membrane. The nuclei of
columnar epithelial cells in the digestive tract appear to line up at the cells' base. Figure 3
depicts a simple cuboidal epithelium drawing from a mammal tissue image using a high-power
objective. The epithelial cells have a box-like shape in a compact and uniform manner. The top
surface of the cells is directed towards the spaces of the organ, and the bottom surface is
connected to the basement membrane. The nuclei of the cells are situated near the center of
the cells, demonstrating the tissue's specific structural arrangement.

One of the most crucial functions of epithelial tissues is protection, serving as a physical
barrier against external forces and potential sources of damage or injury (Biga et al. 2019).
Additionally, some types of epithelial tissues have specialized absorption functions—for
instance, in the small intestine, where they facilitate the uptake of vital nutrients into the
bloodstream. Furthermore, it is also involved in the secretion of various substances that are
crucial for normal physiological processes, which include hormones, digestive enzymes, and
other vital compounds. Mescher (2013) also added that some epithelial tissues, such as those
found in the auditory or olfactory systems, play a role in sensory perception, allowing for the
detection and processing of various stimuli.

Epithelial tissues are composed of different types, each with specific structural and
functional characteristics (Eroschenko & Di Fiore, 2013) (Yakushko, 2019) (Chruścik et al., 2021).
First, there is the simple squamous epithelium consists of a single layer of flat cells. It can be
found in areas that control the amount of material that passes through, such as the alveoli of
the lungs, where it plays a role in gas exchange. Stratified squamous epithelium, on the other
hand, is comprised of multiple layers of flattened cells; and is commonly found in areas subject
to abrasions, such as the skin and mouth. Another is the simple cuboidal epithelium which is
composed of a single layer of cube-shaped cells. It can be found in areas such as the tubular
lining of kidneys—where it plays a role in secretion and absorption. Stratified cuboidal
epithelium, consisting of two or three layers of cube-shaped cells, is found in the excretory
ducts in glands such as salivary and sweat glands in order to protect them. To add, the simple
columnar epithelium is composed of a single layer of tall column-like, or has a greater height
than their width, cells and can be found in the small intestine—having a role in secretion,
absorption, and motility. Stratified columnar epithelium, consisting of multiple layers of
column-like cells, is relatively rare and is seen in the mucous membrane, or the conjunctiva,
lining the eyelids, where it provides protection and secretes mucus. Seemingly appears as
multi-layered, pseudostratified columnar epithelium; in reality, it is just a single layer of cells
where the apical surfaces of some cells do not reach the top. This type can be found in the
respiratory tract, where it is involved in the movement of mucus and other secretions. Lastly,
transitional epithelium, or urothelium, consisting of multiple layers of cells that can stretch and
return to their original shape, is found in urinary structures such as the bladder and is
responsible for bladder expansion as required. When not under tension, cells have a cube-like
shape, but when the tissue is stretched, the cells become flattened and assume an irregular,
squamous-like appearance due to compression.
Epithelial tissues are characterized by their unique structural and functional features
that distinguish them or make them unique from other cell types. Structurally, Bazzoni &
Dejana (2004) distinguishes epithelial tissues to be composed of tightly packed cells that form a
continuous layer, known as a sheet, on a basement membrane. This layer is typically one to
several cells thick and is tightly packed, forming tight junctions between the cells. Furthermore,
the cells of epithelial tissues are polarized, meaning that they have an apical and a basal side
and are often simple, cuboidal, or columnar in shape. The apical side of the cell faces the lumen
of an organ, while the basal side faces the basement membrane and the underlying tissue.
Additionally, epithelial tissues contain microvilli and cilia, which are important for their
functional characteristics in absorbing or moving things, respectively. Functionally, epithelial
tissues play a unique but vital role in separating different compartments within the body. Biga
et al. emphasized that they are involved in a variety of functions, including protection,
secretion, absorption, and filtration. First, epithelial tissue act as a protective barrier by
preventing the mixing of different bodily fluids and protecting the body from harmful
substances and pathogens. In addition, epithelial tissues also regulate the exchange of
materials between the body and the environment through secretion and absorbing substances.
For example, the epithelium of the small intestine is specialized for the absorption of nutrients,
while the epithelium of the respiratory tract is specialized for the secretion of mucus, which
helps to trap and remove debris and pathogens. As also indicated by Mescher, epithelial tissues
also have a unique role in regulating the exchange of substances between the body and its
external environment due to their location along all internal and external surfaces of the body.
This means that any substance entering or exiting tissues and organs must cross an epithelium,
making it a critical component in various physiological processes. For instance, this allows the
filtrating cells of kidneys to selectively filter substances.

Guide Questions

1. Give the different types, structural and functional characteristics of epithelial tissues and
their location in the body.

Epithelial tissues are one of the four main types of tissues in the body and play a vital
role in separating different compartments and regulating the exchange of substances in the
different locations in the human body (Eroschenko & Di Fiore, 2013) (Yakushko, 2019) (Chruścik
et al. 2021). There are several different types of these tissues, each type having unique
structural and functional characteristics. First, the simple squamous epithelium is composed of
a single layer of flat cells that can control the amount of material passing through. Meaning it
can be located in regions where diffusion and filtration occur, such as the capillaries and the
alveoli in the lungs. This tissue type is well-suited for the facilitation of diffusion and filtration
due to the flat configuration of its cells. Conversely, the stratified squamous epithelium is
comprised of multiple layers of squamous cells, with the outer layer being flat and the inner
layers being thicker. This type of tissue is found in regions subjected to mechanical stress, and
its flaky outer layer serves to protect the underlying tissue, such as the skin. The simple
cuboidal epithelium is comprised of a single layer of cube-shaped cells and is present in
regions where secretion and absorption take place, such as the ducts of glands and renal
tubules. Meanwhile, the stratified cuboidal epithelium is composed of multiple layers of
cuboidal cells and is located in regions involved in selective absorption and secretion, such as
sweat glands in the skin—as they serve to protect the ducts of those glands. Additionally, the
simple columnar epithelium is made up of a single layer of tall, narrow cells and is present in
regions where absorption occurs, such as the small intestine. The presence of microvilli in this
tissue type boosts the surface area available for absorption. The stratified columnar
epithelium, which is relatively uncommon, is comprised of multiple layers of column-shaped
cells and is found in the mucous membrane of the eyelids, providing protection and producing
mucus. The pseudostratified columnar epithelium, consisting of a single layer of cells that
appear to be arranged in multiple layers due to their differing heights—where some apical
surfaces do not reach the open surface above—is found in regions where secretion and cilia-
mediated movement occur, such as the respiratory tract. Lastly, the transitional epithelia or
urothelium, a specialized type of epithelium—capable of stretching to the shape of a squamous
cell and relaxing to the shape of a cuboidal cell—accommodates changes in volume and is
found in the urinary bladder.

Furthermore, there are distinct but general structural and functional characteristics of
epithelial tissues. In terms of structural characteristics, epithelial tissues have cellularity,
polarity, attachment, vascularity, and regeneration (Bazzoni & Dejana, 2004) (Mescher, 2013).
Cellularity refers to the tissue being primarily composed of cells and differs from other tissue
types where the cells are more widely spaced and separated by extracellular material. Polarity,
or the difference in the appearance of the top and bottom of the cell, is also an important
feature. The base, or bottom, of the cell is called the basal surface and is attached to a layer
called the basal lamina or basement membrane. Epithelial tissue relies on diffusion from
capillaries in underlying connective tissue for its nutrients, as it doesn't have its own blood
supply. Its ability to repair and regenerate itself is much better than most other body tissues.
On the other hand, epithelial tissues have four primary functional characteristics: protection,
permeability control, sensation, and secretion (Mayer & Bhikha, 2016) (Yakushko, 2019). For
example, skin epithelium protects the body and regulates what can pass through. The
epithelium lining the intestines allows for the easy passage of water and nutrients while
keeping bacteria out. The rich nerve supply of epithelial tissue enables it to gather important
sensory information such as pressure, pain, and temperature. Some epithelial cells are
specialized in producing secretions, which can be released onto the surface through exocrine
glands like sweat and saliva glands or into surrounding tissue and blood through endocrine
glands such as the thyroid gland.

III. Conclusion

In conclusion, epithelial tissue is a type of tissue found in the human body that covers
the surface of organs and structures and lines body cavities. It is characterized by its tightly
packed cells that form a continuous layer with distinct apical and basal surfaces. The eight types
of epithelial tissue include Simple Squamous, Stratified Squamous, Simple Cuboidal, Stratified
Cuboidal, Simple Columnar, Stratified Columnar, Pseudostratified Columnar, and Transitional
epithelium or urothelium. In terms of structural characteristics, epithelial tissues exhibit
cellularity, polarity, attachment, vascularity, and regeneration. Additionally, epithelial tissues
have four primary functional characteristics: protection, permeability control, sensation, and
secretion. It is vital to emphasize the importance of studying epithelial tissues and their
functions, as it helps in better diagnosis and targeted treatment of various diseases; ultimately
leading to improved patient outcomes by gaining a thorough understanding of the tissue that
keeps us alive and intact from the unpredictable conditions and environment.

IV. References

Bazzoni, G., & Dejana, E. (2004). Endothelial cell-to-cell junctions: molecular organization and
role in vascular homeostasis. Physiological reviews, 84(3), 869-901.

Biga, L. M., Dawson, S., Harwell, A., Hopkins, R., Kaufmann, J., LeMaster, M., ... & Runyeon, J.
(2019). 4.2 Epithelial Tissue. Anatomy & Physiology 1.1 OE.

Chruścik, A., Kauter, K., Windus, L., & Whiteside, E. (2021). 3.2 Epithelial Tissue. Fundamentals
of Anatomy and Physiology.
Eroschenko, V. P., & Di Fiore, M. S. (2013). DiFiore's atlas of histology with functional
correlations. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Jonusaite, S., Donini, A., & Kelly, S. P. (2016). Occluding junctions of invertebrate
epithelia. Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 186, 17-43.

Mayer, L., & Bhikha, R. (2016). Relationship between Tissues of the Body with Tibb. A Science of
Medicine, The Art Of Care, Tibb Institue, 1-26.

Mescher, A. (2013). Junqueira's Basic Histology: Text and Atlas 14e. McGraw Hill Medical
Publishing Division.

Yakushko, O. S. (2019). Histophysiological features of epithelial tissues. Вісник проблем

біології і медицини, 1(1 (148)), 217-220.