Types of epithelium

Simple squamous

Single layer of flattened cells with disc-shaped nuclei and sparse cytoplasm.

Found in the kidney glomeruli, lining of heart, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and serosae.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Simple cuboidal

Single layer of cube-like cells with large, spherical central nuclei.

Present in kidney tubules, ducts and secretory portions of small glands, and ovary surface.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Simple columnar

Single layer of tall cells with oval nuclei; many contain cilia.

Non-ciliated type line digestive tract and gallbladder.

Ciliated type line small bronchi, uterine tubes, and some regions of the uterus.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pseudo-stratified columnar

Single layer of cells with different heights; some do not reach the free surface.

Present in the male sperm-carrying ducts (non-ciliated) and trachea (ciliated).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Stratified squamous

Thick membrane composed of several layers of cells.

Forms the external part of the skin’s epidermis (keratinized cells), and linings of the esophagus, mouth, and vagina (non-keratinized cells).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Stratified cuboidal

Quite rare in the body.

Found in some sweat and mammary glands.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Stratified columnar

Limited distribution in the body.

Found in the pharynx, male urethra, and lining some glandular ducts.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Transitional

Several cell layers, basal cells are cuboidal, surface cells are dome shaped.

Lines the urinary bladder, ureters, and part of the urethra.