What are the differences between simple and stratified epithelium?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Simple epithelium

Stratified epithelium

Definition

Consists of a single layer of cells

Consists of two or more layers of cells

Location

Covers moist areas that are subject to less wear and tear such as the lining of blood vessels, stomach, air sacs, and intestine

Covers surfaces that are subjected to a lot of wear and tear such as the skin lining, pharynx, inner lining of salivary ducts, and buccal cavity

Main functions

Main function include absorption, diffusion, and secretion

Main function includes protection against mechanical and chemical stress

Protective nature

Does not provide much protection to underlying tissues

Provides protection to underlying tissues

Types

Squamous 
Cuboidal 
Columnar 
Pseudostratified

Columnar
Cuboidal
Squamous
Transitional

Basis of differentiation	Simple epithelium	Stratified epithelium
Definition	Consists of a single layer of cells	Consists of two or more layers of cells
Location	Covers moist areas that are subject to less wear and tear such as the lining of blood vessels, stomach, air sacs, and intestine	Covers surfaces that are subjected to a lot of wear and tear such as the skin lining, pharynx, inner lining of salivary ducts, and buccal cavity
Main functions	Main function include absorption, diffusion, and secretion	Main function includes protection against mechanical and chemical stress
Protective nature	Does not provide much protection to underlying tissues	Provides protection to underlying tissues
Types	Squamous Cuboidal Columnar Pseudostratified	Columnar Cuboidal Squamous Transitional