(a) Microvilli : It is simple and minute cytoplasmic processes arising from free

exposed surfaces of the cell. They absorb material.

(b) Stereocilia : It is non-motile cytoplasmic processes.
(c) Cilia : It is contractile motile fibrous processes arising from basal granules.
(d) Tight junctions (Zona occludens) : At certain places the plasma membranes of
adjacent cells are tightly packed or even fused together.
(e) Desmosomes : Desmosome is present in epithelial tissue. They consist of
thickened area and several fine tonofibrils extending from each plasma membrane into
cytoplasm of respective cells. Macula adherens is a kind of desmosome.
(f) Gap junction : At place, the adjacent cells form ion-rich gap junctions for
intercellular communication and chemical exchange. These junctions probably do not
provide physical support.
(g) Interdigitations : These are interwoven finger-like processes of plasma
membranes of adjacent cells.
(h) Intercellular bridges : These are minute projections that arise from adjacent cell
membranes. The intercellular bridges make contact with one another.











(ii) Functions : Epithelial tissues have a wide spread distribution throughout the body
and serve several important functions
(a) Protection : Generalized protection is the most important function of
membranous epithelium. It is the relatively tough and impermeable epithelial covering of the
skin that protects the body from mechanical and chemical injury and also from invading
bacteria and other disease causing micro-organisms.
Showing intercellular bridges
GAP JUNCTION
CYTOPLASM OF CELL A
CELL MEMBRANE
OF CELL A
INTERCELLULAR SPACE
CELL MEMBRANE
OF CELL B
CELL MEMBRANE
INTER DIGITATION

MICROVILLI
INTERCELLULAR BRIDGES
TIGHT
JUNCTION
BASEMENT
MEMBRANE

CYTOPLASM OF CELL B

TONOFIBRIL
S




S
THICKENING
D
E
S
M
O
S
O
M
E

CYTOPLASM
Fig. Electron microscopic view of two adjacent epithelial cells, basement membrane and
cell junctions
EPITHELIAL CELLS
BASEMENT
MEMBRANE
CONNECTIVE
TISSUE
CAPILLARIES
Fig. Diagram to show an epithelium with its basement membrane resting upon underlying
connective tissue
(b) Sensation : Epithelial structures specialized for sensory functions are found in the
skin, nose, eye and ear.
(c) Secretion : Glandular epithelium is specialized for secretory activity, secretory
products include hormones, mucous, digestive juices and sweat.
(d) Absorption : The epithelium lining of the gut and respiratory tracts allows the
absorption of nutrients from the gut.
(e) Excretion : It is the specialized epithelial lining of kidney tubules that makes the
excretion and concentration of excretory products in the urine.
(f) Conduction : Ciliated epithelium moves fluid, mucous and other materials in the
organs it lines.
(g) Reproduction : Germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules and ovaries
produces spermatozoa and ova respectively.
(h) Regeneration : The ability of epithelia to regenerate quickly helps in the healing
of wounds.
(i) Pigmentation : Pigmented epithelium of retina darkens the cavity of eyeball.
(j) Selective barrier : The epithelia check the absorption of harmful or unnecessary
materials.
(k) Respiration : Epithelium of alveoli of the lungs brings about exchange of gases
between blood and air.
(l) Exoskeleton : Epithelium also produce exoskeletal structures such as
scales, feathers, hair, nail, claws, horns and hoofs.