Cuboidal Epithelium

Cuboidal epithelium is an epithelial tissue composed of a single layer of epithelial cells. These cells are in close contact with the basement membrane. The morphology of the cells that make up this tissue can be utilised to histologically categorise it. It might be squamous (similar to a scale), cuboidal (identical to a cube), or columnar.

A cuboidal epithelium location and example, the cell-based epithelium, is a simple cuboidal epithelium. Cuboidal epithelial cells are cuboidal in shape, which means they are nearly as wide as tall. When viewed from above, these cells exhibit a square shape. A nucleus is a large, spherical structure located in the centre of each cell.

What is Epithelium?

Our bodies are complex machines with countless parts and operations. We may say that we are made up of two arms, two legs, a torso, and an ahead on a large scale. This, however, is not a very accurate or scientific description. It is correct to say that our bodies are made up of several tissue types. Human tissue comprises groups of cells with the same structure and function. Many different forms of tissue make up organs and other physiological components.

Structure of Cuboidal Epithelium

The epithelium is a type of tissue that covers and lines biological components. When we say it’s simple, we’re referring to the fact that it just contains one layer of cells. Certain epithelia have many layers depending on their function. On the other hand, the simple cuboidal epithelium consists of only one layer.

Epithelial tissue is composed of tightly packed cells to form a sheet. Because epithelium is generally a protective barrier or lining, it must be a tightly knit layer. For example, consider rolling out pie dough to fit into a pie plate. It should be a smooth sheet with no holes or gaps so that the lining of the pie is continuous. It’s a similar idea to epithelial tissue.

What does Epithelium do?

Epithelium tissue performs several important functions in the body. Because epithelial cells may be found throughout your body, their function and purpose differ based on where they are.

Epithelial tissue can perform one or more of the following functions:

Protection:  Epithelial tissue protects several organs in your body. Your skin’s epithelial tissue, for example, protects your body’s deeper structures, such as blood vessels, muscle, and internal organs. In addition, cilia on the epithelial cells lining your intestines protect intestinal bacteria from spreading throughout your body.

Absorption: Certain medications can enter your body through the epithelial lining of your internal organs, such as your liver and lungs. For example, the inside epithelial lining of your intestines collects nutrients from your food.

Excretion: The removal of waste from your body is called excretion. The  Cuboidal Epitheliumtissue of your kidneys excretes waste, whereas the epithelial tissue of your sweat glands excretes sweat.

Types of Cuboidal Epithelia

This epithelium may be classified based on where it is found and what function it performs.

• Cuboidal epithelium of reproductive organs includes cells that border the tubuli recti, rete testis, and ovary.

• The ependyma is a central nervous system cuboidal epithelium.

• Thyroid follicular cells are the endocrine system cuboidal epithelium.

• The cuboidal epithelium of the excretory system borders the proximal and distal convoluted tubules of a nephron.

Despite their histological resemblance, these tissues in each organ are specialised for particular purposes.

Simple Cuboidal Epithelial Examples

This form of cuboidal epithelium secretes trash into tubule lumens while selectively reabsorbing essential nutrients, including glucose and amino acids. Its involvement in selective secretion and absorption assists in preserving chemical equilibrium and protects the body from corrosion and chemical harm, while it cannot protect the body from mechanical abrasion.

Functions of Simple Cuboidal Epithelium

Simple cuboidal epitheliumhas a diverse set of activities and functions in various organs. The epithelium that covers the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, for example, is known as ependyma and is composed of a monolayer of cuboidal epithelial cells. These cells create cerebrospinal fluid.

Thyroid follicular cells are follicular cells that surround thyroid follicles. Iodine is absorbed by this tissue and converted into thyroid hormone precursors, then processed and released into the bloodstream. A monolayer of cuboidal epithelium uses and cells forms the ovarian surface epithelium, which covers the ovary. It helps to mend the damage caused by each ovulation occurrence and may even aid in developing an ovum.

Conclusion 

The glandular epithelium is made up of cuboidal or columnar cells. They are experts in secretion. Ciliated epithelium is composed of ciliated columnar or cuboidal epithelium. They help mucus travel through particular passageways, such as the fallopian tubes and bronchioles.