There are different types of epithelial tissue depending on their function in a particular location. The simplest classification of these tissues is based on the number of cell layers.

Simple epithelia

Stratified epithelia

When the epithelium is composed of a single layer of cells, it is called simple epithelial tissue and those containing two or more layers of cells are called stratified epithelial tissues. One particular type is calledpseudostratifiedbecause a single layer of cells having varying heights gives the appearance of being stratified.

Epithelia can also be classified based on the shape of the cells, giving rise to three types:

Squamous epithelial tissue:consists of extremely thin cells that resemble the scales of a fish

Cuboidal epithelial tissue:contains cells that appear square in cross-section but are marginally longer than they are wide

Columnar epithelial tissue:consists of elongated cell involved in absorption of materials

there are two more ciliated and glandular epithelial