Epithelium Facts for Kids

Types of epithelium

Epithelium is a special kind of body tissue. It's like a protective covering. You can find it on the outside of your body, like your skin. It also lines the inside of many organs. Epithelium is made of one or more layers of tiny cells.

Epithelium: Your Body's Protective Layers
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Epithelium: Your Body's Protective Layers

Epithelium is one of the four main types of tissue in your body. Think of tissue as a group of similar cells working together. Epithelial tissue is made of many cells packed closely. These cells form layers.

Where is Epithelium Found?

You might be surprised how many places have epithelium!

The outermost layer of your skin is a type of epithelium.
It covers the surface of many organs.
It lines hollow organs like your stomach and kidneys.
It also covers blood vessels.
All glands in your body are made from epithelial cells. Glands make and release substances like sweat or hormones.

What Does Epithelium Do?

Epithelial cells have many important jobs in your body.

Protection

One main job of epithelium is protection. Your skin, for example, is a strong barrier. It helps protect your body from infections. This is part of your body's natural defense system.

Moving Fluids

Epithelium helps move fluids in and out of organs. For example, in your kidneys, it helps filter waste from your blood.

Sensing

Some epithelial cells are part of your sense organs. They help you feel things, taste, smell, hear, and see.

Secreting Substances

In some areas, epithelial cells make and release substances. For instance, they can secrete sweat to cool you down. They also produce oil for your skin or mucus to protect linings inside your body.

Absorption

Epithelium can also absorb things. In your intestines, for example, epithelial cells absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

How Epithelium Gets What It Needs

Epithelial layers do not have their own blood vessels. So, how do they get oxygen and food? They get it from the connective tissue that lies just underneath them. Think of it like a sponge soaking up water from below.