What is the Difference Between Squamous Epithelium and Columnar Epithelium?

The main difference between squamous and columnar epithelium lies in the shape of their cells. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Squamous Epithelium:
• Composed of flat, tile-like polygonal cells.
• Found in areas such as terminal bronchioles and alveoli of lungs.
• Functions include protection, excretion, gas exchange, and secretion of coelomic fluid.
• Columnar Epithelium:
• Composed of elongated cells placed side by side like a column.
• Found in the intestine.
• Functions include protection, secretion, and absorption.

In summary, squamous epithelium consists of flat, wide cells, while columnar epithelium is composed of taller, column-shaped cells. The primary functions of squamous epithelium include protection, excretion, gas exchange, and secretion, whereas columnar epithelium is involved in protection, secretion, and absorption.

Comparative Table: Squamous Epithelium vs Columnar Epithelium

Here is a table comparing the differences between squamous epithelium and columnar epithelium:

Squamous epithelium is composed of flattened and scale-like cells that are wider than their height, while columnar epithelium is composed of cells that are taller than they are wide. Squamous epithelium can be either simple or stratified, with simple squamous epithelium found in locations where rapid passage of chemical compounds is necessary, such as lung alveoli and capillaries. Columnar epithelium is simple and can be further classified based on the presence or absence of cilia.