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). The image shows numerous irregular cavities corresponding to vascular lumens. These belong to small-caliber blood vessels, including both arteries (A), which have the thickest and most distinct walls, and veins (V), which have thinner and less conspicuous walls. All these cavities are internally lined by a simple squamous epithelium (a single layer of flattened cells), known as the endothelium. This term specifically refers to the simple squamous epithelium lining the entire circulatory system.
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Small Blood Vessels (H/E) (10x). At this magnification, vascular lumens corresponding to small-caliber blood vessels (V) are visible. The endothelial lining can now be distinguished. Additionally, note the presence of blood cells (S) within the blood vessels.
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Small Blood Vessels (H/E) (20x). Under the light microscope, the endothelium (arrow) becomes more apparent, particularly in longitudinal sections of blood vessels (V), where it appears as a series of elongated, flattened nuclei that are relatively equidistant from one another and protrude only slightly into the vascular lumen.
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Small Blood Vessels (H/E) (40x). The cytoplasm of endothelial cells is so thin that, even at high magnification, it is nearly undetectable under light microscopy. Consequently, only the endothelial cell nuclei are visible, exhibiting their characteristic flattened shape and forming a subtle relief toward the vascular lumen (arrowheads). The basement membrane on which the epithelium rests is not visible with H/E staining. The eosinophilic blood cells within 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). A prime example of simple squamous epithelium (a single layer of squamous epithelial cells) can be found in the kidney glomeruli (arrowheads). These structures are round and have a distinctive morphology, making them easily identifiable even at very low magnification in the outermost region (cortex) of the kidney.
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Perfused Kidney (H&E) (4x). Multiple renal glomeruli (arrowheads) are observed in the renal cortex. The spaces between the glomeruli are occupied by various renal tubular structures, sectioned at different planes.
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Perfused Kidney (H/E) (10x). The glomeruli consist of a vascular tuft (arrowhead) enclosed within a cavity—the nephrogenic chamber, Bowman’s chamber, uriniferous space, or Bowman’s space (B)—which is lined peripherally by a simple squamous epithelium. Between the glomeruli, numerous renal tubules (T) are observed, sectioned in longitudinal, transverse, or oblique planes.
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Perfused Kidney (H/E) (20x). The simple squamous epithelium forms the so-called parietal layer of Bowman’s capsule. It appears as a single layer of flattened cells whose cytoplasm is so thin that it is barely perceptible, leaving only the flattened cell nuclei visible (arrowheads), slightly protruding into the glomerular lumen (Bowman’s chamber) (B).
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Perfused Kidney (H/E) (40x). The simple squamous epithelium of the parietal layer of Bowman’s capsule is composed of epithelial cells whose nuclei (arrowheads) project slightly into 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). This cross-section of the mesentery reveals a flattened structure composed of connective tissue with abundant blood and lymphatic vessels (V) and bundles of smooth muscle cells (Mi). The mesentery is covered on both surfaces by a simple squamous epithelium, referred to here as the mesothelium. This specialized epithelium lines the serous cavities of the body, including the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities (as seen in this case).
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Mesentery (H/E) (20x). The mesothelium (arrows) is a simple squamous epithelium lining the serous cavities of the body. It consists of a single layer of flattened cells that are slightly taller than endothelial cells, allowing their nuclei to have more cytoplasmic space. As a result, the nuclei do not protrude into the corresponding cavity. Beneath the mesothelial cells, connective tissue (C) is observed. (Smooth muscle cells: Mi. Vessels: V).
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Mesentery (H/E) (40x). Flattened mesothelial cells (arrows) line the surface of the mesentery. Due to their slightly greater thickness compared to endothelial cells, their nuclei do not create a noticeable relief. (Connective tissue: C. Blood vessel: V. Lymphatic vessel: L. Smooth muscle cells: 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. Our focus will be on observing the tubules located in the renal cortex, which occupy the spaces between the glomeruli (arrowheads). These tubules (T) appear sectioned in various planes, including longitudinal, transverse, and oblique sections.
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Perfused Kidney (H&E) (10x). Renal tubules (T) and glomeruli (G) in the renal cortex. The tubular epithelium clearly delineates the lumen of the tubules.
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Perfused Kidney (H/E) (20x). The kidney tubules are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium (a single layer of cuboidal cells). At this magnification, it is already possible to observe that the epithelium of most tubules presents an apical specialization known as the brush border, which faces the tubular lumen (these are the proximal tubules, Tp). In contrast, other tubules lack this specialization (these are the distal tubules, Td).
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Perfused Kidney (H/E) (40x). The simple cuboidal epithelium of the tubules consists of a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells with rounded nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. In most tubules, the epithelium exhibits a brush border, a membrane specialization of the apical pole of the cells, appearing as a thin band oriented toward the tubular lumen (simple cuboidal epithelium with a brush border). In other cases, the brush border is absent, and the apical surface of the epithelial cells appears sharp and linear (asterisks).
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Perfused Kidney (H/E) (40x). Most of the tubules visible in this image are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium with a brush border (arrowheads). This brush border often reduces the lumen's diameter. When the border is absent, the epithelium is simply referred to as simple cuboidal epithelium, and the tubular lumen (asterisks) is usually larger. The solid-looking cell clusters correspond to tangential sections (T) of tubules, in which the lumens are not visible.
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ORGAN: Kidney. (Fixed via perfusion). STAIN: Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) / Hematoxylin.
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Perfused Kidney (PAS) (4x). Renal glomeruli (G) and tubules (T) are observed. The PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) staining technique was applied, with hematoxylin used as a nuclear contrast.
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Perfused Kidney (PAS) (20x). Using the PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) histochemical technique, PAS positivity (magenta/fuchsia staining) is evident in the brush border of the simple cuboidal epithelium. This staining results from carbohydrates present in the glycocalyx of the microvilli forming the border. Tubules (asterisks) lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium lacking a brush border can also be observed.
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Perfused Kidney (PAS) (40x). Strong PAS positivity is observed in the brush border (R). Additionally, a thin PAS-positive line (arrowhead) surrounding the tubules externally is visible, corresponding to the basement membrane on which the epithelial cells rest. Several tubules (asterisks) lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium without a brush border are also seen.
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ORGAN: Kidney. STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Kidney (H/E) (2x). In the deepest region of the kidney (renal medulla), large-caliber ducts with wide lumens are observed—these are the papillary ducts or Bellini’s collecting ducts (Tc). They are easily distinguishable at low magnifications and are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium composed of relatively tall cells. For this reason, this epithelium can also be classified as low simple columnar epithelium.
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Kidney (H&E) (10x). Cross-sections of multiple papillary collecting ducts (Tc) or ducts of Bellini.
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Kidney (H/E) (40x). The epithelium (E) lining the papillary ducts (Tc), also known as Bellini’s collecting ducts, is a high simple cuboidal or low simple columnar epithelium.
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ORGAN: Gallbladder. STAIN: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H/E).
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Gallbladder (H/E) (4x). The inner surface of the gallbladder is lined by a simple columnar epithelium (E) (a single layer of columnar cells), which rests on connective tissue (C). At low magnification, this lining epithelium is clearly distinguishable as a more intensely stained band facing the lumen of the vesicle, positioned at the top of the image.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (10x). The epithelial cells (E) are tall and slender, with nuclei (N) displaced toward the basal region of the cell. The nuclei adopt a palisade arrangement, as they are closely packed, perfectly aligned, and positioned at the same level. In some areas, the nuclei appear disordered, creating a pseudostratified-like appearance (asterisk). This occurs when the epithelium is sectioned obliquely, which is common due to the significant irregularity of the gallbladder’s inner surface.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (20x). In certain regions, the nuclei (N) of the epithelial cells lose their typical palisade arrangement and appear disorganized, producing a pseudostratified-like aspect (asterisk). This occurs when the epithelium is sectioned obliquely, a frequent occurrence given the irregularity of the gallbladder’s inner surface. This irregularity also creates deep invaginations (I), which can lead to histological sections displaying cavities lined by simple columnar epithelium that appear embedded within the connective tissue.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (20x). When the section plane is perpendicular to the inner surface of the gallbladder, as seen in most of the image, the nuclei (N) of the simple columnar epithelium (E) appear perfectly arranged in a palisade pattern, positioned in the basal third of the cell. These nuclei are elongated, with their long axis oriented perpendicularly to the basement membrane.
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Gallbladder (H/E) (40x). Simple columnar epithelium (E) with nuclei (N) located in the basal third of the cells. The nuclei are elongated, with their long axis perpendicular to the basement membrane. A small projection (P) is seen at the apical edge of each epithelial cell due to the convex, dome-like shape of this region. Small pale droplets adhering to the epithelial surface are likely bile remnants. (Asterisk: area with a pseudostratified-like nuclear appearance due to an oblique section).
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Gallbladder (H/E) (100x). The simple columnar epithelium displays nuclei (N) located in the basal third of the cell. The cytoplasm is eosinophilic, and the Golgi apparatus is seen as a pale region above the nuclei (negative Golgi image: G). The small projection (P) at the apical edge of the epithelial cells results from the convex shape of this region. Droplets adhered to the epithelial surface are likely remnants of bile. The epithelium rests on 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 inner surface of the intestine is lined by a simple columnar epithelium with a brush border and goblet cells. This image shows a cross-section of the small intestine, revealing projections extending into the intestinal lumen, known as intestinal villi (V). These structures are where this type of epithelium can be observed.
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Small Intestine (H/E) (4x). The intestinal villi (V) are cylindrical or slightly flattened, finger-like projections. Each villus consists of a connective tissue core externally covered by a simple columnar epithelium with a brush border and goblet cells.
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Small Intestine (H/E) (10x). Longitudinally sectioned intestinal villi (V), lined by a simple columnar epithelium (E) with a brush border and goblet cells.
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Small Intestine (H/E) (20x). The simple columnar epithelium (E) with a brush border and goblet cells (arrowheads) consists of a single layer of columnar cells, with their nuclei located in the basal third of the cell. In the apical region, a narrow, more intensely stained band, the brush border, is visible. This structure is a specialization of the apical cell membrane formed by microvilli. Tangential sections of the villi can create misleading images of pseudostratification (asterisk) in the epithelium.
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Small Intestine (H/E) (40x). In the simple columnar epithelium with a brush border and goblet cells, the nuclei (N) are oval, displaced toward the basal third of the cell, and arranged in a palisade pattern due to their close proximity. The brush border (arrowheads) and some goblet cells are also visible.
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Small Intestine (H/E) (40x). The goblet cells (C) appear as scattered, cup-shaped, globular elements within this epithelium. They are generally pale and lack a brush border (which is difficult to visualize). Their nuclei differ from those of the surrounding enterocytes, as they exhibit darker chromatin and often appear curved or slightly flattened, as if "holding the cup." The brush border is clearly visible on the epithelial surface (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. The lumen is highly irregular due to the presence of numerous branched folds (arrows) on the inner surface of the wall. These folds are covered by a simple ciliated columnar epithelium.
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Uterine Tube (H/E) (4x). The branched folds, which project toward the lumen of the tube, are composed of a connective tissue core (C) externally covered by a simple ciliated columnar epithelium (arrow). (Smooth muscle tissue: M. Lumen of the tube: L).
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Uterine Tube (H/E) (10x). The wall folds of the uterine tube consist of a connective tissue core (C) lined by a simple ciliated columnar epithelium (arrow). The clefts within the connective tissue forming the axis of some folds correspond to lymphatic vessels (Li). (Smooth muscle tissue: M. Lumen of the tube: L).
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Uterine Tube (H/E) (20x). The simple ciliated columnar epithelium (E) lines the folds on the inner surface of the tube wall. Among the ciliated cells, secretory cells (arrow), which lack cilia, can also be observed. (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 columnar epithelium of the uterine tube consists of a single layer of moderately tall columnar cells, with cilia (blue arrow) at their apical pole. The nuclei are rounded or slightly ovoid. The darker-stained line at the apical edge of the ciliated cells corresponds to the row of basal bodies (red arrow) of the cilia. Additionally, secretory cells (arrowhead) appear interspersed among the ciliated cells, often in groups of two or three. Their apical poles, which lack cilia, protrude slightly toward the lumen of the uterine tube. (Connective tissue core: C).
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