Question

Differentiate between the following.

Cuboidal and squamous epithelium

Answer 1

1. Epithelial tissues cover the external surface of the body (skin) and body organs. They also line the cavities of hollow internal organs.
2. Depending upon the cell shapes and their functions, epithelial tissues are mainly classified as Squamous epithelium, Cuboidal epithelium, and Columnar epithelium. Ciliated epithelium, Glandular epithelium, and Sensory epithelium are specialized epithelial tissues.

Cuboidal epithelium	Squamous epithelium
It is composed of a single layer of cube-like cells.	It is composed of a single thin layer of flattened cells with irregular boundaries
It is found in ducts of glands and tubular parts of nephrons in kidneys.	It is located in the lining of cavities (mouth, throat, nose, pericardium, and alveoli), and blood vessels and covering of tongue and skin.
Its main functions are secretion and absorption.	Its function is to protect the underlying parts from mechanical injuries and prevent the passage of germ, chemicals and drying.