Question
Explain basic structure of epithelial tissue and mention its types.

Answer

The characteristics of epithelial tissues are as follows:

  1. Epithelial tissue forms a covering on inner and outer surface of body and organs.
  2. The cells of this tissue are compactly arranged with little intercellular matrix.
  3. The cells rest on a non-cellular basement membrane.
  4. The epithelial cells are polygonal, cuboidal or columnar in shape.
  5. A single nucleus is present at the centre or at the base of the cell.
  6. The tissue is avascular and has a good regeneration capacity.
  7. The major function of the epithelial tissue is protection. It also helps in absorption, transport, filtration and secretion.

The different types of epithelial tissues are as follows:
1. Simple epithelium: Epithelial tissue made up of single layer of cells is known as simple epithelium. Simple epithelium is further classified into:
a. Squamous Epithelium
b. Cuboidal Epithelium
c. Columnar Epithelium
d. Ciliated Epithelium
e. Glandular Epithelium
f. Sensory epithelium
g- Germinal epithelium

2. Compound epithelium: Epithelium composed of several layers is called compound epithelium. Compound epithelium is further classified into:
a. Stratified epithelium
b. Transitional epithelium

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