Epithelial Tissue

Human Histology Laboratory

MT 636

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 Epithelial Tissues
- avascular tissues
- covers body surfaces, lines body cavities and constitute glands
- selective barrier
- as receptors for special senses
- cells adhere closely together
- distinct domains that confer to polarity

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 Three principal characteristics
1. Closely apposed and adhere to one another by means of cell-to-cell
adhesion molecules (cell junctions)
2. Functional and morphologic polarity – domains
a. Apical domain or free surface – top surface, borders an open surface
b. Lateral domain – sides
c. Basal domain – bottom
3. Basement membrane – non-cellular
- separates the epithelium from underlying connective tissue and blood vessels

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Polarity of Epithelial Tissue

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Apical Modifications

Microvilli Stereocilia
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Apical Modifications

Cilia Cilia with goblet cells under SEM

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Epitheloid Tissues

Interstitial (Leydig cells) of the testis Endocrine cells, Human Pancreas

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 Functions of Epithelial Tissue
1. Selective barrier
2. Secretion
3. Absorption
4. Transportation- propelled by motile cilia, across an epithelium to and from
the connective tissue
5. Mechanical protection
6. Receptor function- receive and transduce external stimuli

UST Department of Medical Technology | Histology Lab | jrnucum2020

 Classification of Epithelial Tissues
1. Epithelial gland – secretion
2. Epithelial membrane – covering and lining
a. Cell shape
- classified as squamous, columnar, cuboidal and transitional
b. Cell layer
• Simple – one layer, pseudostratified
• Stratified – many layers

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 When viewing epithelial tissues

1. Check the location of basement membrane

2. Count number of layers immediately
** If stratified – check the topmost layer
Nomenclature: based on the type of the cell at the apical surface

UST Department of Medical Technology | Histology Lab | jrnucum2020

 Simple Squamous Epithelium
• Structure: single layer of flattened cells
• Function: absorption and filtration
• Location:
- Walls of capillaries, air sacs in lungs (alveoli)
- Forms serous membranes in body cavity
- Endothelium
- Mesothelium
- Bowman’s capsule of the kidney

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Simple Squamous Epithelium

Simple squamous epithelium in Bowman’s capsule Simple squamous epithelium in

Pulmonary alveoli
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 Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
• Structure: single layer of cube shaped cells
• Function:
- secretion and transportation in glands
- filtration in kidneys
• Location:
- Kidney tubules
- Glands and ducts
- Covers ovaries

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Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Simple cuboidal epithelium Simple cuboidal epithelium in

in renal tubules convoluted tubules of kidney
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 Simple Columnar Epithelium
• Structure: elongated layer of cells with nuclei at same level
• Function: absorption, protection and secretion
• Special features: microvilli and goblet cells
• Location:
- Linings of entire digestive tract – with goblet cells
- Gallbladder
- Fallopian tubes, Uterus – ciliated
- Oviduct

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Simple Columnar Epithelium

Simple columnar epithelium Simple columnar epithelium in

in gallbladder small intestines with goblet cells
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 Pseudostratified Epithelium
• Structure: irregularly shaped cells with nuclei at different levels
• Function:
- Absorption, protection and secretion
- Goblet cells produce mucus
- Cilia (larger than microvilli) sweep mucus
• Location:
- Respiratory linings (trachea and bronchial tree)
- Reproductive tract

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Pseudostratified Epithelium

Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

respiratory tract with goblet cells
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 Stratified Squamous Epithelium
• Structure – several layers of cells with:
a. Upper layer: flattened cells
b. Middle layer: polyhedral cells
c. Basal layer: columnar cells
• Types:
1. Non-keratinizing – retain their nuclei
2. Keratinizing – lose their nuclei, form a layer of dead keratinized cells

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 Stratified Squamous Epithelium

• Function:
- protection: stronger than simple
- Keratin: for water-proofing
• Location:
- Keratinized: epidermis of the skin
- Non keratinized: esophagus, vagina

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Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Stratified squamous non-keratinizing Stratified squamous keratinizing

in vagina
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 Stratified Columnar Epithelium
• Structure: often found between simple columnar and stratified squamous
epithelia, rare type of epithelium
• Function: secretion and protection
• Location:
- Anal mucus membrane - Conjunctiva of the eye
- Male urethra - Pharynx
- Epiglottis -

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Stratified Columnar Epithelium

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 Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium
• Structure: commonly made up of two layers which has cube shaped cells, rare
type of epithelium
• Function:
- protection of larger ducts – cell layers surround/protect gland ducts
• Location:
- Sweat glands
- Mammary glands
- Salivary glands

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Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

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 Transitional Epithelium
• Structure: with content – appears flattened, but varies per layer
- Surface: umbrella shaped cells
- Middle: pyriform cells
- Basal: columnar or cuboidal
• Function: allows stretching, distensible property
• Location: Renal pelvis, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra

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Transitional Epithelium

Transitional epithelium in Transitional epithelium in monkey urinary

anorectal junction bladder
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 Epithelial Glands

Glands – one or more cells that make and secrete a product, consists of two
portions separated by a basal lamina:
a. Parenchyma – functional portion of secretory and ductal epithelial cells
b. Stroma – supporting connective tissue elements
Function: secretion of proteins in aqueous solution, hormones, acids and oils

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 Classification of Epithelial Glands
1. Endocrine
- no duct, release secretion into blood vessels
- products released are often hormones
Ex. thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands
2. Exocrine – contain duct, empties onto epithelial surface
Ex. sweat gland, oil, salivary glands, mammary glands
3. Paracrine – secrete into the local extracellular space

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Classification of Epithelial Glands

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 Classification of Exocrine Glands

1. As to branching
a. Simple – single, unbranched duct
b. Compound – highly branching
2. As to shape of secretory unit
a. Tubular – tube
b. Alveolar – flasks or sacs (circular)
c. Tubuloalveolar – both tubes and sacs in gland

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 Exocrine Glands

Substances secreted by exocrine glands:

a. Mucus – a viscous material that usually protects or lubricate cell surfaces
b. Serous – are watery and often rich in enzymes
c. Mixed secretions – contain both mucus and serous components

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 Exocrine Glands
Modes of secretion:
a. Merocrine – through exocytosis, no alteration of the gland
Ex. Sweat and salivary glands
b. Holocrine – gland ruptures, releases secretion and dead cells
Ex. Sebaceous gland
b. Apocrine – alter the morphology of apical surfaces and part of the apical
cytoplasm is released along with contents
Ex. Lipid droplet in mammary glands

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Modes of Secretion

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