In: Biology
Simple epithelium is single layered and stratified epitheium is multi layered. Simple epithelium is present in the internal organs of the body and also present in the glands. Stratified epithelium is present in the regions of wear and tear and hence it is multi layered.
The shapes of the cells are different in different regions of the body depending on the function the epithelium performs. In the regions where diffusion of materials has to occur, the epithelium is squamous type as the diffusion can occur easily. In the regions where secretion is required most of the cells are either cuboidal or columnar depending on the space available. Small ducts that are narrow will have cuboidal epithelium which is simple.
Stomach glands and intestinal glands are columnar and have nuclei at the base of the cell. The columanr epthelial cells in intestine have microvilli to help in faster absorption of digested food. The columnar epithelium is ciliated in respiratory passages to push the dust particles with the mucus upwards.
STratified epithelium is multilayered t provide protection in the regions of the body where abrasion and loss of cells is possible.
So the structure and cell shape is is important to the function of the epithelial tisues.