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| simple columnar epithelium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | epithelium simplex columnare |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.02020 |
| FMA | 45567 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
| This article is part of a series on |
| Epithelia |
|---|
| Squamous epithelial cell |
| Columnar epithelial cell |
| Cuboidal epithelial cell |
| Specialised epithelia |
| Other |
Simple columnar epithelium is a single layer of columnarepithelial cells which are tall and slender with oval-shapednuclei located in the basal region, attached to thebasement membrane. In humans, simple columnar epithelium lines most organs of thedigestive tract including thestomach, andintestines. Simple columnar epithelium also lines theuterus.
Simple columnar epithelium is further divided into two categories: ciliated and non-ciliated (glandular). The ciliated part of the simple columnar epithelium has tiny hairs which help move mucus and other substances up the respiratory tract.
The shape of the simple columnar epithelium cells are tall and narrow giving a column like appearance. the apical surfaces of the tissue face the lumen of organs while the basal side faces thebasement membrane.[1] The nuclei are located closer along the basal side of the cell.[1]
Absorptive columnar epithelium is characterized as having a striated border on its apical side, this border is made up ofnon-motile microvilli allowing for increase surface area for absorption.[1] These are known as non-ciliated columnar epithelium. Non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium is made up of glandulargoblet cells which secretemucin to formmucus.[1] The rest of the cell is made up of cytoplasm with membrane boundsecretory granules which secrete the mucin, and are found towards the apical surface of the cell.[1]
Ciliated columnar epithelium has manycilia which movesmucus and other substances viamucociliary clearance in therespiratory tract.
It is present in the lining of thefallopian tubes, where currents generated by thecilia propel theegg cell toward theuterus.
Ciliated columnar epithelium forms theneuroepithelium of theependyma that lines theventricles of the brain andcentral canal of thespinal cord. These cilia move thecerebro-spinal fluid (CSF).
These are found in the lining sections of thegastrointestinal tract (inner lining ofoesophagus,stomach, etc.) and may bebrush bordered.
