Stratified columnar epithelium
Tissue type
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stratified columnar epithelium is a rare type of epithelial tissue composed of column-shaped cells arranged in multiple layers. It is found in the conjunctiva, pharynx, anus, and male urethra. It also occurs in embryo.
| Stratified columnar epithelium | |
|---|---|
| |
| Details | |
| Shape | several layers; apical cells are columnar shaped |
| Identifiers | |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.02032 |
| FMA | 45564 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
Location
Stratified columnar epithelia are found in a variety of locations, including:
- parts of the conjunctiva of the eye[1][2]
- parts of the pharynx[3]
- anus[3][4]
- male urethra and vas deferens[3][5]
- excretory duct of mammary gland and major salivary glands[6]
Embryology
Stratified columnar epithelium is initially present in parts of the gastrointestinal tract in utero, before being replaced with other types of epithelium. For example, by 8 weeks, it covers the lining of the stomach.[7][8] By 17 weeks, it is replaced by simple columnar epithelium.[7] This is also found in the fetal esophagus.[8]
