What is the nucleus shape of columnar epithelial cells?

What is the nucleus shape of columnar epithelial cells?

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

Answer: (B)

Columnar epithelial cells are tall and column-shaped, so their nuclei sit near the base and tend to be elongated, appearing oval. This basally located, elongated nucleus fits within the tall cell and leaves space in the apical region for secretion or absorption. If the nucleus were flat, it would fit squamous cells; spherical nuclei are typical of much rounder cell types, not tall columnar ones, while an extremely elongated shape is less representative than the oval appearance seen here.

Columnar epithelial cells are tall and column-shaped, so their nuclei sit near the base and tend to be elongated, appearing oval. This basally located, elongated nucleus fits within the tall cell and leaves space in the apical region for secretion or absorption. If the nucleus were flat, it would fit squamous cells; spherical nuclei are typical of much rounder cell types, not tall columnar ones, while an extremely elongated shape is less representative than the oval appearance seen here.