Types of Epithelial Tissue

Simple cuboidal epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue found in the body. It is a single layer thick and made of cube-shaped cells. This type of tissue is found lining parts of the body such as the kidney tubules and walls of the respiratory bronchioles.

Owing to the shape of the cells, the primary functions of the simple cuboidal epithelium are secretion, absorption, and covering.

Epithelium: Stratified Epithelia Stratified epithelia contain two or more layers of cells. The function of this type of epithelium is mostly protective – the higher the number of layers, the more protective it is. It is good at withstanding abrasion.

The mesothelium is a protective membrane that covers the lungs, abdomen, heart and testes. Mesothelioma cancer can develop in the mesothelium as a result of asbestos exposure.

The basement membrane (BM) is a special type of extracellular matrix that lines the basal side of epithelial and endothelial tissues. Functionally, the BM is important for providing physical and biochemical cues to the overlying cells, sculpting the tissue into its correct size and shape.

Function of Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium Stratified cuboidal epithelium typically makes multiple membrane junctions between adjacent cells. In effect, this creates an impermeable barrier between two distinct surfaces in the body. This barrier acts like a filter, forcing nutrients and water to pass through the cells.

Cuboidal Epithelium – These cells are cuboidal in shape. They are found in the salivary glands, kidney tubules, sweat glands, etc. Their main function includes absorption, secretion, and excretion. If the cuboidal epithelium is arranged in many layers it forms the stratified cuboidal epithelium.

Cuboidal Epithelium can be seen in those places where secretion is occurred. It is generally found in the organs those are specialized for the absorption and secretion. Simple cuboidal epithelial tissue is responsible for the absorption and diffusion. The kidney functions because of the presence of Cuboidal Epithelium.

Stratified squamous epithelia are found in nearly every organ system where the body comes into close contact with the outside environment – from the skin to the respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. They also protect the body from desiccation and water loss.

the skin
The stratified epithelium is found in the skin wherein the apical layer becomes heavily keratinized before dying, and is also continuously shed as squames. Stratified epithelia usually have a mechanical or protective role. The stratified epithelium may be categorized based on the type of cells that makes it up.