Which tissue type is composed of a single layer of cube-shaped cells and is typical of glands such as the thyroid?

Which tissue type is composed of a single layer of cube-shaped cells and is typical of glands such as the thyroid?

• A. Simple cuboidal epithelium
• B. Simple columnar epithelium
• C. Stratified cuboidal epithelium
• D. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

Answer: (A)

A single layer of cube-shaped cells refers to simple cuboidal epithelium. In this tissue, each cell is roughly as tall as it is wide and sits on the basement membrane in one uniform layer, with nuclei typically centered. This arrangement is ideal for glands and ducts because it provides a firm, active surface for secretion and absorption. In the thyroid, the follicles are lined by this type of epithelium, forming walls around trapped colloid and enabling thyroid hormone production and release into the bloodstream. The other options describe different shapes or layering: simple columnar epithelium consists of tall, column-like cells; stratified cuboidal epithelium has multiple cell layers; pseudostratified columnar epithelium may appear multilayered but is actually one layer of varying-height cells, often with cilia.

A single layer of cube-shaped cells refers to simple cuboidal epithelium. In this tissue, each cell is roughly as tall as it is wide and sits on the basement membrane in one uniform layer, with nuclei typically centered. This arrangement is ideal for glands and ducts because it provides a firm, active surface for secretion and absorption. In the thyroid, the follicles are lined by this type of epithelium, forming walls around trapped colloid and enabling thyroid hormone production and release into the bloodstream.

The other options describe different shapes or layering: simple columnar epithelium consists of tall, column-like cells; stratified cuboidal epithelium has multiple cell layers; pseudostratified columnar epithelium may appear multilayered but is actually one layer of varying-height cells, often with cilia.