Introduction

There are two types of epithelia, one that covers all the external body surfaces and line all the internal body cavities and tubes, and the other that are secretory, and often found in aggregates called glands, just beneath the body surfaces.

After following this topic you should be able to recognise the different types of epithelia, and relate their structure to their function.

Objectives

After following this topic about epithelia you should know:

1. The characteristics common to all epithelia, and the relationship between the structure of different types of epithelia to their main functions.
2. How to recognise and fully classify epithelia found in tissue sections, and be able to recognise different subtypes of epithelia.
3. The differences between different types of exocrine glands.