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Related Concept Videos

Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions01:23

Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions

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Epithelial tissues are large sheets of cells covering all of the surfaces of the body. These surfaces can be internal or external, for example, skin, airways, the digestive tract, the urinary system, and the reproductive system. Hollow organs and body cavities that do not connect to the body's exterior, including blood vessels and serous membranes, are lined by epithelial tissue known as the endothelium.
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical,...
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Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Overview01:22

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Overview

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Epithelial tissues are classified according to the shape of the cells and the number of cell layers formed. Cell shapes can be squamous (flattened and thin), cuboidal (square-like, as wide as it is tall), or columnar (rectangular, taller than it is wide). Additionally, the nucleus shape helps identify the type of epithelial cells. Squamous cells have flattened disc-shaped nuclei, cuboidal cells have spherical nuclei, and columnar cells have elongated nuclei.
Based on the number of cell layers,...
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Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium01:20

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium

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The glandular epithelium is made of one or more epithelial cells modified to synthesize and secrete chemical substances. Glandular epithelia can be classified based on cell number. Unicellular glands have individual secretory cells scattered across the epithelial monolayer. In contrast, multicellular glands consist of a hollow tubular duct attached to the cluster of secretory cells located in the deep pockets.
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...
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Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Simple Epithelium01:30

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Simple Epithelium

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Simple epithelium consists of a single layer of cells that lines body cavities and blood vessels. The shape of the cells in the epithelium reflects the function of the tissue. Cells in simple squamous epithelium appear as thin scales with flat, elliptical nuclei that mirror the form of the cell.
Because of the thinness of the cells, simple squamous epithelium is present where the rapid passage of chemical compounds is observed. For example, the endothelium that lines the capillaries and vessels...
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Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

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The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
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Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

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The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Organoid-Derived Epithelial Monolayer: A Clinically Relevant In Vitro Model for Intestinal Barrier Function
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Epithelial Organization: The Gut and Beyond.

Nitesh Shashikanth1, Sunil Yeruva1, Ma Lora Drizella M Ong1

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Comprehensive Physiology
|September 16, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epithelial cells form essential barriers and perform vital organ-specific functions in complex organisms. Their diverse structures and functions are crucial for physiology and disease processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Histology

Background:

  • Epithelial cells are fundamental for organism survival and homeostasis.
  • They form critical barriers separating internal and external environments.
  • Epithelia exhibit diverse organ-specific functions crucial for physiological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the diversity of epithelial structure and function.
  • To explore organ-specific epithelial functions in detail.
  • To highlight the role of epithelia in physiology and disease.

Main Methods:

  • General discussion of epithelial cell types and their organization.
  • Exploration of representative tissues to illustrate specific functions.
  • Analysis of how epithelial structure relates to function.

Main Results:

  • Epithelial cells display significant diversity in structure and function.
  • Organ-specific functions are directly linked to epithelial morphology and protein expression.
  • Cellular differentiation influences epithelial behavior in development and response to stimuli.

Conclusions:

  • Epithelial structure and function are intricately linked and vital for homeostasis.
  • Understanding epithelial diversity is key to comprehending physiological roles and disease mechanisms.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview of epithelial contributions to health and disease.