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 the
basement membrane. The nuclei are located closer along the basal side of the cell. Absorptive columnar epithelium is characterized as having a striated border on its apical side, this border is made up of
non-motile microvilli allowing for increase surface area for absorption. These are known as non-ciliated columnar epithelium. Non-ciliated simple columnar epithelium is made up of glandular
goblet cells which secrete
mucin to form
mucus. The rest of the cell is made up of cytoplasm with membrane bound
secretory granules which secrete the mucin, and are found towards the apical surface of the cell.
Ciliated Ciliated columnar epithelium has many
cilia which moves
mucus and other substances via
mucociliary clearance in the
respiratory tract. It is present in the lining of the
fallopian tubes, where currents generated by the
cilia propel the
egg cell toward the
uterus. Ciliated columnar epithelium forms the
neuroepithelium of the
ependyma that lines the
ventricles of the brain and
central canal of the
spinal cord. These cilia move the
cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF).
Non-ciliated These are found in the lining sections of the
gastrointestinal tract (inner lining of
oesophagus,
stomach, etc.) and may be
brush bordered. File:Gray1059.png|Vertical section of a villus from the dog's small intestine. X 80. (Simple columnar epithelium labelled at right, third from the top.) File:Gray1060.png|Transverse section of a
villus, from the human
intestine. X 350.a.
Basement membrane, here somewhat shrunken away from the epithelium.b.
Lacteal.c.
Columnar epithelium.d. Its striated border.e.
Goblet cells.f.
Leucocytes in epithelium.f’. Leucocytes below epithelium.g.
Blood vessels.h.
Muscle cells cut across. == Function ==