| Simple cuboidal epithelium | |
|---|---|
 Simple cuboidal epithelium in thepigkidney. The surfaces of the large and smallcollecting ducts (a and b), the circular structures, are surrounded by the simple cuboidal epithelium. | |
| Identifiers | |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.02019 |
| FMA | 45566 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
| This article is part of a series on |
| Epithelia |
|---|
| Squamous epithelial cell |
| Columnar epithelial cell |
| Cuboidal epithelial cell |
| Specialised epithelia |
| Other |
Simple cuboidal epithelium is a type ofepithelium that consists of a single layer of cuboidal (cube-like) cells which have large, spherical and centralnuclei.
Simple cuboidal epithelium is found on the surface ofovaries, the lining ofnephrons, the walls of therenal tubules, parts of theeye andthyroid, and insalivary glands.[1]
On these surfaces, the cells performsecretion andfiltration.
Simple cuboidal cells are also found in renal tubules ofnephrons, glandular ducts, and thyroid follicles. Simple cuboidal cells are found in single rows with their spherical nuclei in the center of the cells and are directly attached to thebasal surface. Simple ciliated cuboidal cells are also present in the respiratory bronchioles. Germinal cuboidal epithelial lines theovaries andseminiferous tubules oftestes. They undergomeiosis to formgametes.
These cells provide protection and may be active (pumping material in or out of the lumen) or passive, depending on the location and cellular specialization.
Simple cuboidal epithelium commonly differentiates to form the secretory and duct portions of glands. They also constitute the germinal epithelium, which covers the ovary (but does not contribute to ovum production) and the internal walls of the seminiferous tubules in the male testes. These cells offer some protection and function in filtration and secretion.