An Overview
Epithelial tissue is a type of tissue that forms the lining of the body cavity and the outer covering of the body.
Based on the number of layers of the epithelial tissue, it is divided into two main classes:
The simple epithelial tissue
These tissues comprise a single, flattened cell layer and are found on non-cellular basement membranes composed of a fibrous network.
There are four main types of simple epithelial tissues:
- Simple Squamous Epithelial Tissue
- Simple Cuboidal Epithelial Tissue
- Simple Columnar Epithelial Tissue
- Pseudo Stratified Epithelial Tissue
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The stratified epithelial tissue
The stratified epithelial tissue comprises two or more layers of cells. These multiple overall tissues are found within the body cavity and in the interior lining of organs.
The stratified epithelial tissue is also categorised based on the shape of the cells.
There are three main types of stratified epithelial tissue.
- Transitional Epithelial Tissue
- Stratified Squamous Epithelial Tissue
- Stratified Cuboidal and Stratified Columnar Epithelial Tissue
The fundamental difference between simple and stratified epithelial tissue is that simple epithelial tissue has only one cell layer. In contrast, stratified epithelial tissue has two or more cell layers piled upon each other.
Let us explore more differences between the Simple and Stratified Squamous Epithelium.
Simple and Stratified Squamous Epithelium – Comparison
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Simple Squamous Epithelium |
Stratified Squamous Epithelium |
|---|---|
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Number of Cell Layers |
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Contain only one cell layer of squamous cells. |
Contains multiple cell layers of squamous cells. |
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Resting on the Basement Membrane |
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The cells are found resting on the basement membrane. |
The bottommost cell layers are found resting on the basement membrane. |
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Occurrence |
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Lines the tiny air sacs (alveoli), blood capillaries, heart, and the lymphatic system. |
Lines the vagina, oesophagus, and mouth. |
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Functions |
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It acts as a permeable membrane by permitting the movement of materials through the epithelium either through filtration or diffusion. diffusion or filtration. |
They are involved in safeguarding the body against graze or scrape. |
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Protection |
|
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Provides a lesser degree of protection |
Provides a higher degree of protection |
Explore more: Animal Tissue – Types, Structure
Explore more differences between simple squamous and stratified squamous epithelium and other related topics, at BYJU’S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Define the following terminologies:
- Simple Squamous Epithelium
- Stratified Squamous Epithelium
Answer:
Simple Squamous Epithelium
Simple squamous epithelium is an epithelium with one cell layer comprising delicate, scaly shaped flat cells. It lines the vessels of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems.
Due to soft and thin cells, this epithelium permits the passage of chemical compounds through it. Therefore, the epithelium allows the gas exchange in the alveoli and the exchange of material between the blood and the extracellular fluid.
Stratified Squamous Epithelium
The epithelium that consists of two or more layers of bland and scaly like cells of epithelium is defined as stratified squamous epithelium.
In humans, the stratified squamous epithelium is the standard of stratified epithelium. The upper layers of this epithelium include squamous epithelial cells.
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