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Classification of Epithelia

All epithelia are named with descriptive terms that represent unique traits of the epithelia. The classification or naming system used to identify epithelia is based on three key criteria:

1.  No. of cell layers

2.  Cell shapes

3.  Surface modifications

These criteria are used in combination with one another to name epithelia.  Therefore, whenever you want to identify or name an epithelium, ask these questions:

Are the epithelial cells in a single layer or multiple layers?

Are the epithelial cells squamous, cuboidal, or columnar?

How do you name stratified types?

Do the epithelial cells possess any surface modifications?

Exceptions to the above?

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