Biology · Ch 10 — Animal Tissue
Columnar Epithelium
10.2.1.3
Columnar Epithelium
Columnar epithelium is made of tall, pillar-like cells. Each cell narrows towards its inner (basal) end and broadens out flat at its free (outer) end, and this free surface typically carries a large number of fine, finger-like microvilli that greatly increase the absorptive surface area. The nucleus is oval and sits in the lower half of the cell.
Function: secretion and absorption. …
Figure 10.3Columnar Epithelium
What this figure shows. A single layer of tall, narrow, pillar-like cells standing side by side on a basement membrane (with the connective tissue layer below it); each cell has an oval nucleus in its lower half, a fringe of fine microvilli at its free (upper) surface, and scattered goblet cells shown swollen with mucus …