Epithelial Tissue Types and Functions

Simple squamous ep.

Lungs

diffusion & filtration

• Gas exchange

• Absorption

• Secretion

• Diffusion & filtration

Simple Cuboidal ep.

ovaries

secretion and absorption

• Secretion and absorption

• Protection and support

• Gas exchange

• Nutrient storage

Transitional ep

• Protection; stretches (distends)

• Absorption; secretes mucus

• Filtration; regulates blood pressure

• Transport; facilitates gas exchange

Stratified cuboidal ep

• Secretion

• Absorption

• Filtration

• Protection

Pseudostratified columnar ep.

protection; moving substances along a surface

respiratory surfaces

• Protection and absorption

• Respiratory surfaces

• Secretion and filtration

• Structural support

Simple columnar ep

Digestive tract

Protective; secretion and absorption

• Protective; secretion and absorption

• Absorption only

• Secretion only

• None of the above

Stratified squamous ep

protection

skin

• Provides protection against abrasion

• Absorbs nutrients

• Secretes hormones

• Facilitates gas exchange

Stratified columnar ep

• Protection; moving substances

• Absorption; secretion

• Filtration; diffusion

• Sensory reception