Stratified columnar epithelium
Epithelium stratificatum columnare
A rare epithelium with columnar surface cells over one or more layers of smaller basal cells, found at transitions between other epithelia and in large ducts.
Overview
Only the surface layer is columnar; the deeper cells are small and polyhedral or cuboidal. It is found in limited areas, typically at junctions between stratified squamous and simple columnar epithelia: the conjunctiva of the eye (with goblet cells), parts of the pharynx, the anorectal junction, parts of the male urethra (membranous and proximal spongy), and the largest excretory ducts of salivary and mammary glands. It combines protection with secretion.
- Location
Conjunctiva; large excretory ducts; parts of the male urethra; anorectal and pharyngeal transition zones.
Function
- Protection and secretion.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cells & Tissues sources. For education only; not medical advice.