Notes on the structure of a simple columnar eipthelium

As the very name indicates this epithelium consists of columnar cells that are longer (taller) than broad. The tissue is made up of a single layer of cells. The outlines of the cells appear polygonal in a surface view. Each cell has a flattened and an oval end.

There is a single nucleus in each cell which is elongated and usually located either in the centre or a little away from the centre. Usually some mucous secreting cells called Goblet cells are found in between the columnar epithelial cells that line the stomach and intestine.

The goblet cells have vacoule filled with mucous. The epi­thelial tissue containing the mucous secreting cells along with the under­lying supporting connective tissue is usually refered to as the mucous membrane or mucosa.