Final answer:
Simple epithelia consist of a single layer of cells with different shapes such as squamous (flat and round), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall and narrow), which facilitate various bodily functions including diffusion, secretion, and absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Simple epithelial tissues are characterized by a single layer of cells that have different shapes and functions. Some examples of the geometric arrangement of cells in simple epithelia include:
-
- Squamous epithelia: These cells are flat and round with a centrally located nucleus. They are designed to facilitate diffusion and are found in the lungs for gas exchange and near blood capillaries for nutrient and waste exchange.
-
- Cuboidal epithelia: Shaped like cubes with a central nucleus, these cells are found as a single layer in glandular tissues. They are involved in the secretion of glandular material and are also seen in the kidney and liver tubules and ducts.
-
- Simple columnar epithelia: These cells are taller than they are wide, and their nucleus is located at the cell's base. They are typically found in the digestive tract, absorbing nutrients and preparing them for entrance into the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
These arrangements serve specific functions in the body, and are essential for processes like absorption, secretion, and filtration.