Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 18, 2026

Stratified columnar epithelium

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 the embryo.

Last revised
Jul 18, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
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515 w
Citations
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Source
Stratified columnar epithelium
Details
Shapeseveral layers; apical cells are columnar shaped
Identifiers
THH2.00.02.0.02032
FMA45564
Anatomical terms of microanatomy

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.

Location

Stratified columnar epithelia are found in a variety of locations, including:

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.78 By 17 weeks, it is replaced by simple columnar epithelium.7 This is also found in the fetal esophagus.8

Function

The cells function in secretion and protection.9

See also

See also

References

References

  1. Soni, Vandana; Pandey, Vikas; Tiwari, Rahul; Asati, Saket; Tekade, Rakesh K. (2019-01-01), Tekade, Rakesh K. (ed.), "Chapter 13 - Design and Evaluation of Ophthalmic Delivery Formulations", Basic Fundamentals of Drug Delivery, Advances in Pharmaceutical Product Development and Research, Academic Press, pp. 473–538, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-817909-3.00013-3, ISBN 978-0-12-817909-3, S2CID 86481491, retrieved 2020-11-29{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  2. Forrester, John V.; Dick, Andrew D.; McMenamin, Paul G.; Roberts, Fiona; Pearlman, Eric (2016-01-01), Forrester, John V.; Dick, Andrew D.; McMenamin, Paul G.; Roberts, Fiona (eds.), "Chapter 1 - Anatomy of the eye and orbit", The Eye (Fourth Edition), W.B. Saunders, pp. 1–102.e2, doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-5554-6.00001-0, ISBN 978-0-7020-5554-6, retrieved 2020-11-29{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  3. Cadwell, K.; Marchiando, A. M. (2016-01-01), "Function of Epithelial Barriers", in Bradshaw, Ralph A.; Stahl, Philip D. (eds.), Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, Waltham: Academic Press, pp. 687–694, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-394447-4.30104-3, ISBN 978-0-12-394796-3, retrieved 2020-11-29
  4. Gordon, Philip H. (2005-01-01), Fazio, Victor W.; Church, James M.; Delaney, Conor P. (eds.), "Anatomy and Physiology of the Anorectum", Current Therapy in Colon and Rectal Surgery (Second Edition), Philadelphia: Mosby, pp. 1–9, doi:10.1016/b978-1-55664-480-1.50006-x, ISBN 978-1-55664-480-1, retrieved 2020-11-29{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  5. Johnson, L.; Welsh, T. H.; Curley, K. O.; Johnston, C. E. (2010-01-01), McQueen, Charlene A. (ed.), "11.02 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Male Reproductive System and Potential Targets of Toxicants", Comprehensive Toxicology (Second Edition), Oxford: Elsevier, pp. 5–59, doi:10.1016/b978-0-08-046884-6.01102-7, ISBN 978-0-08-046884-6, retrieved 2020-11-29{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  6. Lutz, Slomianka. "Blue Histology - Epithelia and Glands". lecannabiculteur.free.fr. Retrieved 2022-08-09.
  7. Chandrasoma, Parakrama T.; DeMeester, Tom R. (2006-01-01), Chandrasoma, Parakrama T.; DeMeester, Tom R. (eds.), "CHAPTER 3 - Fetal Development of the Esophagus and Stomach", GERD, Burlington: Academic Press, pp. 41–63, doi:10.1016/b978-012369416-4/50003-0, ISBN 978-0-12-369416-4, retrieved 2020-11-29{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  8. Chandrasoma, Parakrama T. (2018), "Molecular Evolution of Esophageal Epithelial Metaplasia", GERD, Elsevier, pp. 457–478, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-809855-4.00015-4, ISBN 978-0-12-809855-4, retrieved 2020-11-29{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
  9. Tortora, Gerard J. (2017). Tortora's Principles of anatomy & physiology, global edition. Bryan Derrickson, Gerard J. Tortora. Hoboken, NJ. ISBN 978-1-119-40006-6. OCLC 1003252960.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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