Simple Cuboidal Epithelium Tutorial

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

Introduction to Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Simple cuboidal epithelium is composed of cube-shaped (square) cells when viewed from the side (typical view seen on microscope slides), with all cells contacting the basement membrane (simple tissue organization).   Simple cuboidal cells are also characterized by a single, large, round (spherical) nucleus located near the center of each cell.  Simple cuboidal epithelial cells have a large apical surface which helps them efficiently secrete or absorb substances into or out of the tube or follicle they line.  Some simple cuboidal cells also possess microvilli on their apical surface to give them increased surface area for secretion and absorption.  Simple cuboidal epithelium is found surrounding follicles in the thyroid gland (thyroid follicles) and lining some kidney nephron tubules (microscopic tubes), specifically the proximal and distal convoluted tubules and portions of ascending nephron loops and urine collecting ducts.

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

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

Microscopy:  Use the image slider below to learn how to use a microscope to identify and study simple cuboidal epithelium on a microscope slide of thyroid gland tissue.

Tutorial:  Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of simple cuboidal epithelium lining kidney tubules. 

Tutorial:  Use the hotspot image below to learn more about the characteristics of simple cuboidal epithelium surrounding thyroid follicles. 

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