Epithelial Tissue - Classification By Shape Flashcards
What are the three possible shapes of epithelial cells?
Squamous
Cuboidal
Columnar
Describe the appearance of squamous epithelial cells
Thin and flat
Describe the appearance of cuboidal epithelial cells
Square shaped
Describe the appearance of columnar epithelial cells
Tall, slender rectangles
What are the two possible ways to classify epithelial cells based on their layers?
Simple epithelium
Stratified epithelium
Describe the appearance of simple epithelia.
They consists of a single layer of cells
Describe the appearance of stratified epithelia.
They consist of two or more layers of cells
What is the third way to classify epithelia other than by their shape and number of layers?
Based on surface specialisations
Give two examples of simple squamous epithelium.
Capillary
Alveoli
Give an example of cuboidal epithelium
Sweat duct
Give an example of columnar epithelium
Intestine
Which cell determines the cell classification in epithelia?
The cell at the surface
How do you classify stratified epithelia?
By looking at the outermost layer, e.g. skin is stratified squamous due to the thin cells on the surface
What two types of epithelia are exceptions to the general rules of classification?
Pseudostratified
Transitional
Describe what is meant by pseudostratified epithelia.
This is where there is only one layer of epithelial cells but it appears to be more than one
