Definition

1. Noun:
   • An epithelial cell shaped like a cube: A cuboidal cell is a type of epithelial cell whose height, width, and depth are approximately equal, giving it a cube-like shape. These cells are often found lining glands and ducts, as well as in the kidney tubules, where they function in secretion and absorption.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Simple cuboidal epithelium is composed of a single layer of cuboidal cells.
  • The lining of the kidney tubules consists of cuboidal cells that are involved in filtering blood.
  • Under the microscope, the cuboidal cells appeared square in cross-section.

Advanced Usage

• "Simple cuboidal epithelium": A tissue composed of a single layer of cuboidal cells resting on a basement membrane.
  • The thyroid gland follicles are lined by simple cuboidal epithelium.
• "Stratified cuboidal epithelium": A tissue composed of two or more layers of cuboidal cells.
  • Sweat gland ducts are often lined by stratified cuboidal epithelium.

Variants and Related Words

• Cuboidal (adjective): Having the shape of a cube.
  • The cuboidal shape of the cell is distinct from columnar or squamous shapes.
• Cuboidal epithelium (noun phrase): Epithelial tissue primarily composed of cuboidal cells.
  • The function of cuboidal epithelium is often secretion or absorption.

Synonyms

• Cuboid cell: A less common but synonymous term for a cell with a cube-like shape.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Epithelial cell: The general category of cells that form linings and coverings, of which the cuboidal cell is a specific type.
• Columnar cell: An epithelial cell that is taller than it is wide, in contrast to a cuboidal cell.
• Squamous cell: An epithelial cell that is flat and scale-like, in contrast to a cuboidal cell.

Noun

1. an epithelial cell that shaped like a cube