What is the nucleus shape of cuboidal epithelial cells?

What is the nucleus shape of cuboidal epithelial cells?

• A. Cylindrical
• B. Flat
• C. Spherical
• D. Oval

Answer: (C)

Cuboidal epithelial cells are roughly cube-shaped, so their nucleus tends to be round to fit the cell’s symmetrical, compact geometry and stay centered. This central, spherical nucleus is characteristic of simple cuboidal epithelium, such as in kidney tubules and many gland ducts. If the cell were columnar, you’d expect a more elongated nucleus reflecting the taller-than-wide shape; if the cell were squamous, the nucleus would be flatter along with the cell’s thin profile. An oval nucleus can occur, but the standard description for cuboidal cells is a spherical nucleus.

Cuboidal epithelial cells are roughly cube-shaped, so their nucleus tends to be round to fit the cell’s symmetrical, compact geometry and stay centered. This central, spherical nucleus is characteristic of simple cuboidal epithelium, such as in kidney tubules and many gland ducts. If the cell were columnar, you’d expect a more elongated nucleus reflecting the taller-than-wide shape; if the cell were squamous, the nucleus would be flatter along with the cell’s thin profile. An oval nucleus can occur, but the standard description for cuboidal cells is a spherical nucleus.