Definition

Noun: * A type of epithelial cell characterized by its tall, column-like shape: A columnar epithelial cell is a cell that is taller than it is wide, giving it a columnar or pillar-like appearance. These cells line various surfaces and cavities in the body, often serving functions like secretion or absorption. Some of these cells possess cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures that move in a coordinated fashion.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The lining of the small intestine is composed of columnar epithelial cells specialized for absorbing nutrients.
  • Under the microscope, the columnar epithelial cells of the respiratory tract can be seen with cilia that help move mucus.
  • A biopsy confirmed the presence of abnormal columnar epithelial cells.

Advanced Usage

• "Simple columnar epithelium": A tissue layer consisting of a single layer of columnar epithelial cells.
  • The stomach lining is an example of a simple columnar epithelium.
• "Pseudostratified columnar epithelium": A tissue layer where all cells touch the basement membrane but appear layered (stratified) because their nuclei are at different heights; often ciliated.
  • The trachea is lined with pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

Variants and Related Words

• Columnar cell (n): A common, shorter synonym for columnar epithelial cell.
• Epithelial cell (n): The broader category of cells that form epithelial tissue, which includes squamous, cuboidal, and columnar types.
• Ciliated epithelium (n): Epithelial tissue featuring cells with cilia, which often includes ciliated columnar epithelial cells.

Synonyms

• Columnar cell: The most direct synonym.
• Epithelial columnar cell: A more formal variant.

Related Phrases

• Goblet cell: A specialized type of columnar epithelial cell that secretes mucus.
  • Goblet cells are interspersed among the columnar epithelial cells in the intestinal lining.
• Basement membrane: The thin, fibrous layer upon which epithelial cells, including columnar ones, are anchored.

Noun

1. an epithelial cell that is shaped like a column; some have cilia