Simple Columnar Epithelium Tutorial

Please read Unit 1 – Introduction to Epithelial Tissues prior to completing the activities in this chapter.

Introduction to Simple Columnar Epithelium

Simple columnar epithelium is composed of tall slender cells (tall columnar cells) that all remain in contact with the basement membrane (simple tissue organization).   Another defining characteristic of some simple columnar epithelial tissues is the presence of goblet cells which are modified columnar cells that produce and secrete mucus.  Simple columnar epithelial cells have a large surface area (especially those with microvilli) which helps them efficiently secrete or absorb substances into or out of the tube they line.

Simple columnar epithelium is found mainly in the digestive system comprising the endothelial lining of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and gall bladder.  However, the simple columnar endothelium can appear quite different between these different organs due to variability in the size and shape of goblet cells and the ratio of goblet cells to tall columnar cells.  Simple columnar epithelium is also found lining urine collecting ducts in the renal (kidney) pelvis and lining the Fallopian tubes (oviducts) and uterus (endometrial glands) of the female reproduction system.  Simple columnar cells in some tissues, such as those lining the small intestine, have numerous small vertical folds known as microvilli at their apical surface.  Microvilli greatly increase the surface area of the cell, improving its ability to efficiently secrete or absorb substances into or out of the lumen of the tube they line.

Tutorial:  Use the image slider below to learn more about the characteristics of simple columnar epithelium. 

Microscopy:  Use the image slider below to learn how to use a microscope to identify and study simple columnar epithelium on a microscope slide of small intestinal tissue.

Tutorial:  Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of simple columnar epithelium in the small intestine. 

Tutorial:  Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of simple columnar epithelium in the small intestine. 

Tutorial:  Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of simple columnar epithelium lining kidney collecting ducts. 

Tutorial:  Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of simple columnar epithelium lining oviducts (fallopian tubes). 

Tutorial:  Use the image slider below to study numerous examples of simple columnar epithelium (all images are magnified 400X).