Simple epithelium

Simple epithelium can be subdivided according to the shape and function of its cells.


1. Shape of the cells “Squamous”
Cells are thin and flat
Often display many angular outlines when viewed from above
“Cuboidal”
Cells are approximately as tall as wide
“Columnar”
Cells are definitely more taller than wide
2. The number of cell layers present “Simple”
Only one layer of cells
All cells touch the basement membrane
“Stratified”
There is more than one layer of cells
Only the lowest cells rest on the basement membrane
Other cells are stacked upon each other in various configuration making up the "layers"
All cells arise from cell division by the lowest cells
Depending on the number of layers, displacement of the cells upwards into the different layers causes them to change shape