Final answer:
Squamous epithelium consists of thin, flat cells and can be simple or stratified. Cuboidal epithelium contains cube-shaped cells in a single layer, primarily in glands and ducts. Columnar epithelium has taller cells that line digestive and reproductive systems, with some types having cilia for particle movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between squamous epithelium, columnar epithelium, and cuboidal epithelium lies in their cell shapes and functions. Squamous epithelial cells are flattened and thin, arranged in either a single layer, known as simple squamous, or in multiple layers, known as stratified squamous, where protection from abrasion is necessary such as in the skin. Cuboidal epithelial cells are shaped like cubes and are found in glandular tissues where they participate in secretion, as well as in the ducts of kidneys and liver. These cells usually form a single layer, hence referred to as simple cuboidal.
Columnar epithelial cells, on the other hand, are taller and appear rectangular. They form the lining of the digestive system and parts of the female reproductive tract. The simple columnar type is a single layer often involved in absorption and secretion, while the ciliated variety has cilia on the surface, aiding in the movement of particles along internal passages like in the fallopian tubes and respiratory tract.