Epithelial tissue is one of the four main types of body tissue found in your organs and covers internal and external surfaces in your body. It has several different structures and functions depending on where it is in your body. Show
OverviewThere are several different types of epithelial cells based on their shape and arrangement.What is the epithelium?The epithelium is a type of body tissue that forms the covering on all internal and external surfaces of your body, lines body cavities and hollow organs and is the major tissue in glands. Epithelial tissue has a variety of functions depending on where it’s located in your body, including protection, secretion and absorption. The organs in your body are composed of four basic types of tissue, including:
All substances that enter or leave an organ must cross the epithelial tissue first. You have many different kinds of epithelial tissue throughout your body. Some examples of epithelial tissue include:
What are epithelial cells?Epithelial tissue is made up of epithelial cells. The cells can be different shapes and can be arranged in a single layer or multiple layers depending on where they are in your body and what kind of functions they have. In biology, a cell is the smallest unit that can live on its own. Cells make up all living organisms and the tissues of your body. More than 30 trillion cells make up your body. A cell has three main parts:
Some types of cells, including some epithelial cells, have characteristics on the surface of the cell that help them perform certain functions, including:
What are the different types of epithelial cells?There are several different types of epithelial cells because epithelial tissues have many different functions depending on where they are in your body. Types of epithelial cells based on their shapeDifferent types of epithelial cells based on shape include:
Types of epithelial cells based on their arrangementEpithelial tissue can also vary based on how the cells are arranged. The descriptors, or adjectives, for the way the cells are arranged, include:
Types of epithelial cells in your bodyGiven the different shapes and types of layers of epithelial cells, there can be several types of epithelial tissue, including:
Epithelial cells based on specialized functionsEpithelial cells can also be categorized by the special functions they have, including:
What does the epithelium do?Epithelial tissue has several important functions that are essential to life. Since epithelial cells are found throughout your body, their function and purpose change based on their location. Epithelial tissue can have one or a combination of the following several functions:
What conditions affect epithelial tissue?One of the biggest concerns with epithelial tissue is the potential for malignancy development as adenocarcinoma or papillary thyroid carcinoma, which are two types of cancer. Adenocarcinoma cancers affect the glandular epithelial tissue that lines the organs and is the most common type of cancer affecting organs. Adenocarcinoma is responsible for:
Papillary thyroid carcinoma represents up to 80% of all thyroid cancers. This cancer type grows slowly. Although papillary thyroid cancer often spreads to lymph nodes in the neck, the disease responds very well to treatment. Papillary thyroid cancer is highly curable and rarely fatal. In addition to cancer, several other epithelial tissue issues can occur in various organs. Some more common conditions associated with epithelial tissue include:
What are the different kinds of epithelial cell tests?Since epithelial cells exist in several important parts of your body, several types of tests examine epithelial cells to check for certain medical conditions. In medicine, pathology is the laboratory examination of cells in samples of body tissue or fluids for diagnostic purposes. A scientist called a pathologist examines the cells. Some examples of tests that involve epithelial tissue include:
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the difference between epithelium, endothelium and mesothelium?Epithelium, endothelium and mesothelium are three types of epithelial cell layers that line your internal organs, body cavities and form the outer layer of your skin. Epithelium generally lines pathways that are open to the external environment, such as your respiratory tract and digestive system. In general, endothelium lines fully internal pathways, such as your vascular system (i.e. blood vessels) and cornea. Mesothelium lines your major body cavities, such as the peritoneum (abdomen cavity), pleura (lung cavity) and pericardium (heart cavity). Mesothelium secretes a lubricant film called serous fluid. A note from Cleveland Clinic Epithelial tissue plays many vital roles in your bodily functions and health. You may hear your healthcare provider mention “epithelium” when referring to certain tests or types of cancers. The medical world is full of complex and strange-sounding terms. If you’re ever unsure of a term your provider uses, don’t be afraid to ask them what the word means. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/09/2021. References
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Which of the following statements about epithelial tissue is true?Answer and Explanation: The following statement is true: c) Epithelium covers all free surfaces (inner and outer) of the body and forms the secretory parenchyma of glands.
Which is not true about connective tissue?what is not true of connective tissue? All connective tissues contain elastic fibers.
Which of the following epithelial tissue types is not correctly matched to its function quizlet?Which of the following epithelial tissue types is NOT correctly matched to its function? >Stratified squamous epithelium; absorption. Stratified squamous epithelium (like you would find in the skin) is adapted for protection, not absorption from the external environment.
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