Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium: Structure and Functions

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Definition of Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium

An epithelium with cuboidal cells inside the apical layer and columnar cells with in deeper layer is called stratified cuboidal epithelium. Because of this, cells inside the deeper layers of squamous epithelium could vary from those in the top layer. Position as well as role of the epithelial tissue influence the apical surface modification. This epithelium is extremely uncommon and only occurs in a few places all through the body.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium Structure

Cells upon that outermost layer of the stratified cuboidal epithelium are cube-shaped, and they are arranged in layers.
The lowest, denser strata can have a cuboidal or columnar structure to them, depending on their depth.
There really are no gaps between the cells because they are densely packed.
Basal layer is connected to foundation membrane whereas remainder of layers are linked to preserve structural stability of epithelium as a whole.
Excluding the apical surface of the outermost layer, that is accessible to the lumen of the organ, the cells are held together by tight junctions such as desmosomes or gap junctions.
With each division, fresh layers of cells are added to the basal layer, forming new layers of cells on top. As a result of this, the epithelium in that region may be able to more effectively adapt to these cells.
Apical cells that have lost their cell connections are shed, while new cells grow from the basal layer to substitute them.
No direct supply exists in the epithelium. It is by diffusion that the epithelium is supplied with the required nutrient, water, as well as oxygen.
It’s true that the epithelium is supplied with its own nerves.

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Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium Functions

Even as epithelium only covers some organs in the body, its roles are also determined by the organs.

(a) Protection

Protection is the fundamental purpose of stratified epithelium.
To prevent physical as well as microbiological harms, the epithelium comprises many layers.
As a result of gap junctions and desmosomes, foreign particles are prevented from entering the cells.
However, this epithelium also works as a gatekeeper, sweeping out undesired particles yet admitting water and nutrients into the cells.
Since body’s cells are constantly being repaired as well as replaced, they serve as the body’s initial layer of defense.

(b) Absorptive and secretory mechanisms

Absorption and secretion is also limited by the stratified cuboidal epithelium.
There is a small amount of fluid secreted into the duct by the epithelium that surrounds specific glandular organelles’ ducts, among other things.
An epithelial layer with in urethra also collects water as well as certain ions from urine.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium Location and Examples

Cuboidal epithelium is present in the endocrine system as the lining of salivary gland, sweat gland, and mammalian gland ducts.
Additionally, it can also be present in male urethra and other urinary system elements.

Stratified Cuboidal Epithelium Citations

Waugh A and Grant A. (2004) Anatomy and Physiology. Ninth Edition. Churchill Livingstone.
https://quizlet.com/118694985/tissue-level-of-organization-ch-4-flash-cards/
https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-simple-stratified-and-pseudostratified-epithelial-tissue/
https://www.toppr.com/guides/biology/tissues/epithelial-tissue/
https://www.thoughtco.com/integumentary-system-373580
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3175552/
https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/stratified-epithelium
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0420.2006.00840.x
https://bodytomy.com/functions-of-epithelial-cells

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