What Is Simple Columnar Epithelium?

A single layer of columnar epithelium is composed of a layer of prismatic cells. The nucleus is oval and located at the base of the cell. A single layer of columnar epithelium is distributed on the luminal surface of the stomach, intestine, uterus and fallopian tubes, and its function is mainly absorption and secretion.

Monolayer columnar epithelium

A single layer of columnar epithelium is composed of a layer of prismatic cells. The nucleus is oval and located at the base of the cell. Monolayer columnar epithelium is distributed in the stomach, intestine,

Special structures are often attached to the surface of columnar cells in some organs. For example, the epithelial cells of the small intestinal mucosa have striated margins; the fallopian tubes and

Monolayer columnar epithelium : slice 13

Cross section of porcine duodenum, or section of gallbladder. Bouin's solution fixation, paraffin embedding, hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining)

Cross section of duodenum under low magnification, we can see that the lumen of the small intestine has many finger-shaped protrusions of different height, these protrusions are the longitudinal section of the small intestine villi. Its surface is covered with a layer of columnar epithelium, and a part of it is arranged neatly and observed under high magnification.

Under high magnification, the columnar cells are closely packed, the height of the cells is greater than the width, and the cell boundaries are less clear. The nucleus is oval and is located at the base of the cell. On the free side of the cell (the side facing the intestinal lumen), a thin layer of red-stained structure is called a striated margin under the light microscope. The membranes are connected (the base membrane can only be shown with special staining), and the underlying membrane is connective tissue.

Between the columnar epithelial cells, there are scattered goblet cells. Goblet cells are tall goblet-shaped, with tops filled with slime particles and nucleus at the base.

In addition, between columnar cells, deep-stained lymphocytes were sometimes seen.

Drawing under high magnification

: Represents part of a single-layered columnar epithelium

Notes: columnar cells, striated margins, basement membranes, goblet cells.