SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM

	University of Texas Medical Branch
	Cell Biology Graduate Program

SIMPLE COLUMNAR
EPITHELIUM

COLON

This is a low magnification of your colon slide showing simple columnar epithelium. The layer of purple nuclei is a marker for the base of the cell. The clear droplets containing mucus is secreted at the apex of the cell. Use these markers to define the boundaries of the epithelia.

colon1.jpg (354728 bytes)

The epithelium is usually polarized and has a nucleus at the base of each cell. The following slide is not from your slide set, but it is from the intestine. The mucous is stained blue and large droplets are seen in one cell type (Goblet cell). Also, it is spread along the surface of the epithelium facing the lumen (inside of the intestine). What is its function? Mark the basal and apical boundaries of this epithelium.

DUODENUM

intestine2.jpg (28151 bytes)

In the following photo from your duodenum slide an important apical surface specialization is shown. This is called the brush border. What does it look like at the electron microscopic level and what is its function? Also, can you see a droplet of mucous being secreted?

JEJUNUM

duodenum2.jpg (285293 bytes)

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University of Texas Medical Branch

Cell Biology Graduate Program