The free or apical domain is always directed toward the exterior surface or the lumen of an enclosed cavity or tube. The lateral domain communicates with adjacent cells and is characterized by specialized attachment areas. The basal domain rests on the basal lamina anchoring the cell to underlying connective tissue.
TABLE Types of Epithelium 5.1 Classification Some Typical Locations Major Function Simple squamous Vascular system (endothelium) Exchange, barrier in Body cavities (mesothelium) central nervous system Bowman’s capsule (kidney) Exchange and lubrication Respiratory spaces in lung Barrier Exchange Simple cuboidal Small ducts of exocrine glands Absorption, conduit Surface of ovary Barrier (germinal epithelium) Absorption and secretion Kidney tubules Thyroid follicles Simple columnar Small intestine and colon Absorption and secretion Stomach lining and gastric Secretion glands AbsorptionGallbladder Pseudostratified Trachea and bronchial tree Secretion, conduitDuctus deferens Efferent ductules of epididymis Absorption, conduit Stratified squamous Epidermis Barrier, protection Oral cavity and esophagus Vagina Stratified cuboidal Sweat gland ducts Large ducts of exocrine Barrier, conduit glands Anorectal junction Stratified columnar Largest ducts of exocrine Barrier, conduit glands Anorectal junction Transitional Renal calyces (urothelium) Ureters Barrier, distensible property Bladder Urethra tttttttt  FOLDER 5.1
Clinical Correlation: Epithelial Metaplasia