GOOD

MORNING
EVERYONE!!
UNKABOGABLE
PEACOCKS PRESENTS..
EPITHELIAL
TISSUES
Introduction to
Epithelial Tissues
• Epithelial tissues are fundamental to the structure and
function of multicellular organisms.
• It is one of the four basic tissue types that can be found in
the body.
• A type of body tissue that covers all of the internal and
external surfaces of the body, line body cavities and
hollow organs while also being the major tissue in glands.
It has several functions depending on it’s location which
will be covered later in the presentation.
 Discovery of Epithelial Tissues
Malpighi's Observations
Marcello Malpighi, an Italian physician, used early
microscopes to observe and describe the
structure of various tissues, including the outer
layer of skin, which he named "epidermis." This
laid the foundation for the understanding of
epithelial tissues.
Bichat's Anatomical Studies
Marie François Xavier Bichat, a French anatomist,
further developed the concept of tissues by
classifying them based on their structure and
function. He recognized that the "membranes"
lining internal surfaces and cavities were distinct
from other tissues, contributing to the
understanding of epithelial tissue.
Structure of Epithelial Tissues
Apical (free)
Surface Epithelium
1 Cellularity 2 Basement Membrane
Basement
Epithelial tissues are composed Epithelial tissues are attached Lateral Surface
Membrane
almost entirely of cells, with to a thin, non-cellular layer
Basal
very little extracellular matrix. called the basement
Surface
The cells are tightly packed membrane. This membrane
together, forming a continuous provides structural support and Connective
sheet. anchors the epithelium to Tissue
underlying connective tissue.

3 Avascularity 4 Regeneration

Epithelial tissues are avascular, Epithelial tissues have a high Blood

meaning they lack blood rate of cell division and Vessel
vessels. They receive nutrients regeneration. This is important
and oxygen from the for maintaining the integrity of
underlying connective tissue the epithelium and replacing
through diffusion. damaged cells.
Types of Epithelial Tissues
Classification Shapes Layers

Epithelial tissues are classified • Squamous • Simple

based on two main criteria: the • Cuboidal • Stratified
shape of the cells and the
• Columnar • Pseudostratified
number of cell layers.
 Simple Epithelium
- single layer of cells, thin that molecules can pass
through it easily.

Simple Squamous Simple Cuboidal Simple Columnar

Shape: thin, leaky, platelike cells Shape: dice-shaped cells Shape: goblet cells

Position of nuclei: horizontally flattened

Locations: epithelium of exocrine Locations: lining of stomact &
& elliptical
glands of pancreas, kidney tubules, intestines
Locations: lungs, blood vessels, germinal cells
(endothelium), heart (mesothelium), Function: (specialized) sensory
major cavities. Function: specialized for secretion reception (nose, ears, taste buds),
secrete digestive juices, absorbs
Functions: exchange of nutrients &
nutrients
 Stratified Epithelium
- multiple layers (strata), thicker and provides protection for underlying cells.

Type Shape Location Function

specialised keratinised, transitional,

Stratified Squamous multi-layered i.e. strectchy tissues, withstand

Skin, lining of mouth, esophagus, anus, vagina
damage, waterproofing

Stratified Cuboidal multi-layered Ducts of sweat glands, salivary glands Secretes water and ions

Stratified Columnar goblet cells Lining of male urethra, large ducts of Secretes mucus
glands
 Pseudostratified (giliated) columnar
Cilia

Goblet Cells Basement Membrane

Pseudostratified Epithelium
- is a type of simple columnar epithelium, comprising only a single layer of cells, that has its cell
nuclei positioned in a manner suggestive of stratefied epithelia, gives the appearance of multiple
layers.

Appearance Cilia Location Function

This type of epithelium Often found with cilia, which Found lining the trachea forms mucous
appears to have multiple are hair-like projections that membrane, lines
and other parts of the portions of
layers, but all cells are help move substances along respiratory tract, as well repiratory tract, &
attached to the basement the surface of the tissue. as portions of the male cilia sweep film of
membrane. It gives the This is common in the mucous along
reproductive system. surface.
illusion of stratification. respiratory tract to move
Parts and Features Contributing to Function

1 Apical Surface 2 Microvilli 3 Cilia

It is the free surface of the Microvilli are finger-like Cilia are hair-like projections that
epithelial tissue that faces projections of the cell membrane move substances along the
outward or into a cavity. it often found on the apical surface of surface of the tissue. They are
interacts with the external some epithelial cells, especially found in the respiratory tract and
environment or internal organ those involved in absorption. other areas where movement of
spaces and can have structures They increase the surface area fluids or particles is needed.
like cilia (for movement) or for nutrient uptake.
microvilli (for increased
abscorption).
Parts and Features Contributing to Function

4 Basal Surface 5 Basement Membrane 6 Goblet Cells

It is the side of the epithelial cells it is a thin, fiborous layer that In certain types of epithelial
that is attached to the basement supports the epithelial tissue and tissues, like the repiratory or
membrane. This side anchors the seperates it from underlying intestinal linings, there are
cells to the underlying tissues. connective tissues. it provides goblet cells that secrete mucus
structural support and regulates to trap debris or lubricate the
cell behavior. surface.
Parts and Features Contributing to Function
7 Tight Junctions
These are the specialized connections
between epithelial cells that creates a
seal, preventing the passage of
materials between the cells and
ensuring substances pass through the
cells instead of around them.
8 Desmosomes
it is a strong, adhesive structures
that hold epithelial cells
together, providing mechanical
strength and allowing the tissue
to withstand the stress.

9 Gap Junctions
are communication channels that
allow small molecules and ions to
pass directly between
neighboring cells, facilitating cell-
to-cell comunication.
Functions of Epithelial Tissues

Protection 1
Epithelial tissues form a barrier that protects the
body from the environment. The skin, for example, is
made of stratified squamous epithelium that protects 2 Absorption
against abrasion, water loss, and infection. Simple columnar epithelium in the small intestine is
specialized for absorption. The cells have microvilli,
which increase the surface area for nutrient uptake.
Secretion 3
Glands are made of epithelial tissue that secretes
hormones, enzymes, and other substances. For
example, the stomach lining secretes gastric juices 4 Filtration
for digestion. Simple squamous epithelium in the kidneys filters
blood to remove waste products. The thin cells allow
Excretion 5 for efficient passage of fluids and solutes.
Epithelial tissues in the kidneys and sweat glands
excrete waste products from the body. These tissues
help maintain homeostasis by regulating the
composition of body fluids.
Functions: A Summary

Barrier Absorption Secretion

Epithelial tissues act as a Epithelial tissues are Epithelial tissues secrete

barrier to protect the body responsible for the absorption hormones, enzymes, and
from the external of nutrients, water, and other other substances that are
environment. They prevent substances. This is important essential for various bodily
the entry of pathogens and for maintaining the body's functions, such as digestion,
regulate the passage of nutrient supply and fluid hormone regulation, and
substances. balance. immune responses.

Filtration Excretion

Epithelial tissues are involved in the filtration of Epithelial tissues help excrete waste products
blood and other fluids, removing waste from the body, maintaining homeostasis by
products and maintaining fluid balance. regulating the composition of body fluids.
Clinical Relevance of Epithelial
Tissue Disorders
Cancer Infections
Many cancers, such as skin cancer, lung Epithelial tissues are often the primary targets
cancer, and breast cancer, originate in of infections, as they act as the first line of
epithelial tissues. Malignant cells can defense against pathogens. Infections can
invade and spread to other tissues, cause inflammation, tissue damage, and
causing serious health problems. systemic illness.

Genetic Disorders Environmental Factors

Genetic disorders can affect the Exposure to environmental factors, such as

development and function of epithelial toxins, radiation, and ultraviolet light, can
tissues. For example, cystic fibrosis damage epithelial tissues, leading to various
affects the function of epithelial tissues health problems.
in the lungs, pancreas, and other
organs.
HOPE Y’ALL
LEARNED
SOMETHING...
ANYWAYS,
THANKS FOR
LISTENING.
MWUAAAA