Function

Function
Simple squamous epithelial cells function as mediators of filtration and diffusion. Due to their simple and thin construct, they allow for easy transmembrane movement (i.e. across the membrane, and through the cell) of small molecules. Some molecules, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide diffuse freely across the simple squamous epithelia according to concentration gradients. Other molecules, such as ions, utilize transmembrane protein channels to diffuse across the cells; therefore, the types of proteins that are present in a given simple squamous epithelial tissue paritally determines the function of that tissue. Therefore, the simple squamous epithelia helps to determine what is able to move from the lumen and into the bloodsteam (the capillary bed is under the basement membrane), and vice versa.