Animal Tissue (epithelial tissue)

• Tissue


  A group of specialized cells and intercellular substances around them that are adapted to work together in order to perform particular function
• General traits or characteristics of epithelial tissue

  • Found on a body surface either internal or external
  • Tightly packed cells
  • Free border or free surface
  • Rest on a basement membrane
  • Nonvascular
  • Seen outside the body as coverings or as linings of organs and cavities
• Where epithelial tissue is found

  • Skin
  • Lining of the mouth and nose
  • Lining of the digestive system
• Epithelial tissue classification - First name

  Simple (one layer)<|>Stratified (multilayered)<|>Pseudostratified (different shapes)
• Epithelial tissue classification - Second name

  Cuboidal<|>Squamous (flat)<|>Columnar
• Cuboidal epithelial tissue


  • Cube shaped cells
  • For secretion
• Simple columnar epithelial tissue

  • Brick-shaped cells
  • For secretion and active absorption
• Simple squamous epithelial tissue


  • Plate-like cells
  • For exchange of material through diffusion
• Stratified squamous epithelial tissue

  • Multilayered and regenerates quickly
  • For protection
• Pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue


  • Single layer cells that may just look stacked because of varying height
  • For respiratory tract, usually lined with cilia