This type of epithelium consists of a single layer of columnar (column-shaped cells). On surface view the cells appear as a mosaic resembling that of simple cuboidal epithelium but the outline of the cells is rather smaller. In pendicular sections the columnar shape of the cells becomes evident in which it is seen that the height of each cell is much greater than its width. The nucleus is commonly oval in shape and usually located near the base of the cell. The nuclei of all the cells of a sheet of simple columnar epithelium are often seen to be situated at roughly at the same level. Simple columnar epithelium is widely distributed in the body.
It lines (for example) :
the internal surface of
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Gallbladder
- Uterus
- In many locations in the body
The cells of the simple columnar epithelium show modifications on their apical surface, which includes microvilli, kinocilia and stereocilia.
Found In:
Glands Tubules and Acini of most of glands.
