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Epithelial cells make up primary tissues throughout the body. Epithelial cells arise from ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, which explains why they line body cavities and cover most body and organ surfaces.[1] There are many epithelial cell arrangements, such as squamous, cuboidal, and columnar, that are classified as simple, stratified, pseudostratified, and transitional. Since epithelial cells are prevalent throughout the body, their functions vary by location (see Table: Epithelial Cells, Location and Function). For example, epithelial cells in the skin provide protection, whereas they have secretory and absorptive properties in the gut. This topic seeks to explain the anatomical characteristics of epithelial cells and their functions, and describe features evident upon histological staining.[2][3]