Epithelia are classified on the basis of the number of cell layers and the shape of the cells in the surface layer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Based on number of cell layers
- Simple epithelia: one layer of cells in the epithelium.
- Stratified epithelia: two or more layers of cells.
Based on Shape of cells
Cells in the surface layer are, as a rule, described according to their height as squamous (scale- or plate-like), cuboidal or columnar.