Cuboidal epithelial cell

Cuboidal epithelial cell
Identifiers
Code	TH H2.00.02.0.01013
TH	H2.00.02.0.01013
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Cuboidal epithelia are epithelial cells having a cube-like shape; that is, their width is approximately equal to their height. They may exist in single layers (simple cuboidal epithelium) or multiple layers (stratified cuboidal epithelium) depending on their location (and thus function) in the body.

Structure

Cuboidal epithelia is found in single or multiple layers.

Simple cuboidal epithelia

Simple cuboidal epithelia consists of a single layer of cuboidal (cube-like) cells. These cuboidal cells have large, spherical and central nuclei. Simple cuboidal epithelia are found on the surface of ovaries, the lining of nephrons, the walls of the renal tubules, and parts of the eye and thyroid. These cells provide protection and may be active (pumping material in or out of the lumen) or passive, depending on the location and cellular specialization. Simple cuboidal epithelium commonly differentiates to form the secretory and duct portions of glands.^[1] They also constitute the germinal epithelium which covers the ovary (but does not contribute to ovum production) and the internal walls of the seminiferous tubules in the male testes. These cells offer some protection and function in absorption and secretion.

Stratified cuboidal epithelia

Stratified cuboidal epithelium is composed of multiple layers of cube-shaped cells. Only the most superficial layer is made up of cuboidal cells, and the other layers can be cells of other types. This is because, conventionally, naming of stratified epithelium is based on the type of cell in the most superficial layer. Stratified cuboidal epithelium protect areas such as the ducts of sweat glands,^[2] mammary glands, and salivary glands.

References

1. Pratt, Rebecca. "Simple Cuboidal Epithelium". AnatomyOne. Amirsys, Inc. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
2. Eroschenko, Victor P. (2008). "Integumentary System". DiFiore's Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 212–234. ISBN 9780781770576.