Epithelial tissue. Simple epithelium

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ORGAN: Uterus (cervix) (human). STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Small blood vessels (H/E) (4x). In the image you can see numerous irregular cavities that correspond to blood vessel lumens. These are small caliber blood vessels, both arteries (A, those with the thickest and most visible wall) and veins (V, those with the thinnest and least obvious wall). All these cavities are lined internally by a simple squamous epithelium (a single row of flat cells), called "endothelium". This name is used to designate the simple squamous epithelium that lines the interior of the entire circulatory system.
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Small blood vessels (H/E) (10x). Vascular lumens corresponding to small caliber blood vessels (V). At this magnification the endothelial lining is already visible. Also note the presence of blood cells (S) inside the blood vessels.
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Small blood vessels (H/E) (20x). With the light microscope, the endothelium (arrow) appears, especially when the blood vessel (V) is sectioned longitudinally, as a series of elongated and flattened nuclei, more or less equidistant from each other, which barely protrude into the vascular lumen.
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Small blood vessels (H/E) (40x). The cytoplasm of the endothelial cell is so thin that, even at high magnification, it is virtually undetectable with light microscopy. So it is only the nuclei of the endothelial cells that are visible, with their typical flattened appearance, making a slight relief towards the vascular lumen (arrowheads). The basement membrane on which the epithelium rests is not seen with H/E. The eosinophilic blood cells that appear inside the vessel correspond to red blood cells (H).
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ORGAN: Kidney. (Fijado por perfusión). STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (2x). One place where simple squamous epithelium (a single row of squamous epithelial cells) exists is in the kidney glomeruli (arrowheads). These structures are round and of typical shape. They are seen very easily, even at very low magnification, in the outermost area (cortical or cortex) of the kidney.
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (4x). Multiple kidney glomeruli (arrowheads) in the cortex of the kidney. The spaces between the glomeruli are occupied by different renal tubular structures in different section planes.
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (10x). The glomeruli are made up of a vascular tuft (arrowhead) that appears inside a cavity ("nephrogenic chamber", "Bowman's chamber", "uriniferous space" or "Bowman's space") (B) lined in the peripheral zone by a simple squamous epithelium. Among the glomeruli there are a large number of renal tubules (T) sectioned longitudinally, transversely or obliquely.
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (20x). The simple squamous epithelium forms the so-called "parietal sheet of Bowman's capsule". It appears as a single layer of flat cells whose cytoplasm is so thin that it practically goes unnoticed, so that only the cell nucleus (arrowheads) is visible, flattened, making a slight relief towards the lumen of the glomerulus (Bowman's chamber) ( B).
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (40x). Simple squamous epithelium of the parietal leaf of Bowman's capsule. The nuclei (arrowheads) of these epithelial cells stand out towards the glomerular lumen (Bowman's chamber) (B).
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ORGAN: Mesentery. STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Mesentery (H/E) (10x). Cross section of a mesentery. It is a flattened structure made up of connective tissue with abundant vessels (V) (blood and lymphatic) and bundles of smooth myocytes (Mi), covered on both sides by a simple squamous epithelium, here called “mesothelium”. The mesothelium is the simple flat epithelium that lines the serous cavities of the body: pleural, pericardial and peritoneal (like the present case).
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Mesentery (H/E) (20x). The mesothelium (arrows) is a simple squamous epithelium that lines the serous cavities of the body. It is made up of a single row of flat cells in which, being slightly taller than those of an endothelium, the nucleus has more cytoplasmic space to locate and is not forced to protrude into the corresponding cavity. Under the mesothelial cells, connective tissue is observed (C). (Smooth myocytes: Mi. Vessels: V).
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Mesentery (H/E) (40x). Mesentery (H/E) (40x). Flat mesothelial cells (arrows). They are lining the surface of the mesentery. Since the thickness of these cells is slightly greater than that of endothelial cells, their nuclei they do not make practically relief. (Connective tissue: C. Blood vessel: V. Lymphatic vessel: L. Smooth myocytes: Mi).
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ORGAN: Kidney. (Fixed via perfusion). STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (4x). Most renal tubules are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium. We are going to focus on observing the tubules located in the renal cortex, which occupy the spaces located among the glomeruli (arrowheads). These tubules (T) appear sectioned in all possible planes, that is, longitudinally, transversely and obliquely.
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (10x). Tubules (T) and glomeruli (G) in the renal cortex. It can be seen how the epithelium of the tubules delimits the tubular lumen.
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (20x). The kidbey tubules are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium (a single row of cuboidal cells). At this magnification it is already possible to verify that the epithelium of most of the tubules has a specialization of the apical pole of the cells called "brush border", which is oriented towards the tubular lumen (these are then "proximal tubules", Tp ), while the epithelium of other tubules does not present it (they are the "distal tubules", Td).
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (40x). The simple cuboidal epithelium of the tubules is made up of a single row of cuboidal epithelial cells, with a rounded nucleus and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Most of the tubules show an epithelium with a brush border, a membrane specialization of the apical pole of the cells, which is seen as a thin strip oriented towards the tubular lumen (we would speak of a "simple cubic epithelium with a brush border"). On other occasions there is no brush border and the apical limit of the epithelial cells appears sharp and rectilinear (asterisks).
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Perfused kidney (H/E) (40x). Most of the tubules seen in the image have a simple cuboidal epithelium with a brush border (arrowheads). This edging often decreases the caliber of the tubular lumen. When there is no border, it is simply called "simple cuboidal epithelium", and the dimensions of the lumen (asterisks) are usually larger. The solid-looking cell masses correspond to tangential sections (T) of tubules, and their lumens cannot then be visualized.
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ORGAN: Kidney. (Fixed via perfusion). STAIN: Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) / Hematoxylin.
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Perfused kidney (PAS) (4x). Kidney glomeruli (G) and tubules (T). The PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) technique was performed, and hematoxylin was used as nuclear contrast.
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Perfused kidney (PAS) (20x). With the PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) histochemical technique, it is verified how the brush border of the simple cuboidal epithelium presents PAS positivity (magenta/fuchsia color), due to the carbohydrates in the glycocalyx of the microvilli that constitute that border. Tubules (asterisks) with a simple cubic epithelium that lacks a border can also be observed.
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Perfused kidney (PAS) (40x).Marked PAS positivity of the brush border (R). Surrounding the tubules externally, it is also possible to observe a fine PAS positive line (arrowhead), on which the basal poles of the epithelial cells rest. This is the basement membrane of the epithelium. Several tubules (asterisks) lined by a simple cubic epithelium without a brush border can also be seen.
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ORGAN: Kidney. STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Riñón (H/E) (2x). In the deepest part of the kidney (renal medulla) there are large-caliber tubes with a wide lumen, the "papillary or Bellini collecting ducts" (Tc), which are easily visible at low magnifications and They are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium, with relatively tall cells. For this reason, this epithelium can also be considered as low simple prismatic.
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Riñón (H/E) (10x). Cross sections of multiple papillary or Bellini collecting ducts (Tc).
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Riñón (H/E) (40x). High simple cuboidal (or low simple prismatic) epithelium (E) of the papillary or Bellini collecting ducts (Tc).
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ORGAN: Gallbladder. STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Gallbladder (H/E) (4x). Lining the inner surface of the gallbladder we find a simple prismatic epithelium (E) (a single row of prismatic cells), which rests on connective tissue (C). This lining epithelium, at low magnification, stands out perfectly as a more stained band facing the lumen of the vesicle, located in the upper part of the image.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (10x). The cells of this epithelium (E) are tall and thin. The nuclei (N) are displaced towards the basal region of the cell, adopting a "palisade" arrangement, since they are very close to each other and perfectly aligned, all placed at the same level. In some areas the nuclei seem to be disordered, showing a certain appearance of pseudostratification (asterisk). This image is seen when the epithelium is sectioned obliquely, a common occurrence given the great irregularity of the inner surface of the gallbladder.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (20x). In some areas, the nuclei (N) of the epithelial cells lose their typical "palisade" arrangement and become disordered, showing an appearance of pseudostratification (asterisk). This image is seen when the epithelium is sectioned obliquely, a common occurrence given the great irregularity of the inner surface of the gallbladder. This irregularity also generates deep invaginations (I), which is why cavities lined by simple prismatic epithelium often appear in histological sections, apparently included in the connective tissue.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (20x). When the section plane is perpendicular to the inner surface of the vesicle, as occurs in most of the image, the nuclei (N) of the simple prismatic epithelium (E) appear perfectly arranged in a "palisade", located in the basal third of the cell. The shape of these nuclei is elongated, and they are always oriented with their long axis perpendicular to the plane of the basement membrane.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (40x). Simple prismatic epithelium (E) with the nuclei (N) located in the basal third of the cell. The shape of these nuclei is elongated, and their long axis is perpendicular to the plane of the basement membrane. The small projection (P) that appears at the apical edge of each epithelial cell is due to the fact that this region has a convex, dome-like shape. The small pale droplets adhered to the surface of the epithelium are probably remains of bile. (Area with the appearance of nuclear pseudostratification due to oblique section: asterisk).
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Gallbladder (H/E) (100x). Simple prismatic epithelium with the nuclei (N) located in the basal third of the cell. The cytoplasm is eosinophilic and the Golgi apparatus is located in the pale region that appears above the nuclei ("negative" image of the Golgi: G). The small projection (P) observed at the apical edge of the epithelial cells is due to the fact that this area has a convex shape. Droplets adhering to the surface of the epithelium are probably remnants of bile. The epithelium is supported by connective tissue (C).
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ORGAN: Small intestine. STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Small intestine (H/E) (2x). The simple prismatic epithelium with brush border and goblet cells can be found lining the inner surface of the intestine. We see here a cross section of the small intestine that shows projections that go towards the intestinal lumen, called "intestinal villi" (V). It is in them where we are going to look for this type of epithelium.
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Small intestine (H/E) (4x). The intestinal villi (V) are cylindrical or somewhat flattened, finger-shaped. They consist of an axis of connective tissue covered externally by a simple prismatic epithelium with brush border and goblet cells.
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Small intestine (H/E) (10x). Intestinal villi (V) sectioned longitudinally. They are covered by a simple prismatic epithelium (E) with brush border and goblet cells.
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Small intestine (H/E) (20x). The simple prismatic epithelium (E) with brush border and goblet cells (arrowheads) is made up of a single row of prismatic cells whose nuclei are located in the basal third of the cell. In the apical region of the epithelium there is a narrow, more stained stripe, the "brush border" (it is a type of specialization of the apical cell membrane, formed by microvilli). Tangential sections of the villi cause confusing images of pseudostratification (asterisk) of the epithelium.
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Small intestine (H/E) (40x). In the simple prismatic epithelium with brush border and goblet cells, the nuclei (N) are oval, displaced towards the basal third of the cell and are placed with their long axis perpendicular to the plane of the basement membrane, adopting a "palisade", given how close they are to each other. The brush border (arrowheads) and some goblet cells can also be observed.
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Small intestine (H/E) (40x). The goblet cells (C), in this type of epithelium, appear as isolated elements, cup-shaped, more or less globular, generally pale in appearance and without brush border (the latter is difficult to visualize). Their nuclei are somewhat different from those of the rest of the epithelial cells (called "enterocytes"), since they have a darker chromatin and are often curved, somewhat flattened, as if they "held the cup". On the surface of the epithelium, the brush border can be perfectly observed (arrowheads). (Enterocyte nuclei: N).
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ORGAN: Uterine tube (Fallopian tube) (human). STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Uterine tube (H/E) (2x). Low magnification view of a cross section of a human uterine tube. Its lumen is extraordinarily irregular, since the inner surface of the wall presents a large number of branched folds (arrows). These folds are lined by a simple ciliated prismatic epithelium.
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Uterine tube (H/E) (4x). The branched folds that project towards the lumen of the tube are formed by an axis of connective tissue (C) covered by a simple ciliated prismatic epithelium (arrow). (Smooth muscle tissue: M. Lumen of the tube: L).
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Uterine tube (H/E) (10x). Folds of the wall of the uterine tube. They are made up of an axis of connective tissue (C) covered by a simple ciliated prismatic epithelium (arrow). The clefts that appear within the connective tissue that forms the axis of some of these folds correspond to lymphatic vessels (Li). (Smooth muscle tissue: M. Lumen of the tube: L).
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Uterine tube (H/E) (20x). Ciliated simple prismatic epithelium (E) that lines the folds of the inner surface of the wall of the tube. In this epithelium there are also secretory cells (arrow), which do not have cilia, interspersed between the ciliated cells. (Connective tissue: C. Smooth muscle tissue: M. Lumen of the tube: L. Lymphatic vessel: Li).
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Uterine tube (H/E) (40x). The simple ciliated prismatic epithelium of the uterine tube is made up of a single row of prismatic cells, not too tall, with cilia (blue arrow) at their apical pole. The nuclei are rounded or slightly ovoid. The more stained line seen at the edge of the apical region of the ciliated cells is due to the row of basal corpuscles (red arrow) of the cilia. There are also secretory cells (arrowhead), which appear isolated among the ciliated cells or in groups of two or three. Its apical poles, without cilia, make a slight prominence towards the lumen of the uterine tube. (Connective tissue axis: C).
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