SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM – 2
Surface of the mucosa of the small intestine. It is easy to see that the cells of the epithelial layer are tall and that their nuclei are elongated and arranged in the direction of the major axis of the cell.
There is only one layer of nuclei and, therefore, the epithelium is simple. The elongated shape of the nuclei indicates that the cells are prismatic. It is, therefore, a simple prismatic (or columnar) epithelium that lines the inside of the small intestine.
There is only one layer of nuclei and, therefore, the epithelium is simple. The elongated shape of the nuclei indicates that the cells are prismatic. It is, therefore, a simple prismatic (or columnar) epithelium that lines the inside of the small intestine.
Small intestine. Hematoxylin and eosin. Medium magnificatium.
Some spherical nuclei (highlighted in purple) present in the epithelial layer are defense cells, lymphocytes, that migrated to the epithelium and became between the epithelial cells.
The apical surface (or free surface) of the epithelial cells has a large number of microvilli, which are important for the process of nutrient absorption. These microvilli appears as a thin, darker-colored band at the apical cell surface and is called the striated border and is highlighted in red after using the mouse or clicking.
The underlying connective tissue is highlighted in gray when you move the cursor or click on the image.