HISTOLOGY Practical Manual
Single Layer of Cells Resting on a Basement Membrane
Types—depending on the shape of cells:
- Simple squamous—single layer of flattened cells with flattened nucleus.Example: Endothelium, mesothelium, lining of alveoli of lungs.
- Simple cuboidal—single layer of polygonal cells with equal breadth and height. Cells appear square shaped and have central round nucleus.Example: Follicular cells of thyroid, cells lining the collecting ducts of kidney.
- Simple columnar—single layer of polygonal cells with height greater than width. Cells appear tall with elongated basal nuclei.Example: Mucosal lining of stomach and gallbladder.
- Pseudostratified epithelium—single layer of cells with different height because of which the epithelium appears stratified (many layered).
