The height of the cells is more than the length or the breadth.
The cells appear column like in shape.
SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM
Made up of single layer of cells.
The cells are elongated column-like.
Epithelial lining containing Columnar epithelium is generally secretory or glandular.
Examples
Lining of Gall bladder.
Lining of stomach and intestines.
Lining of Acini of Pancreas.
Stratum germinativum of Skin.
CILIATED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM
Bears cilia on the apical surface of the cell
Cilia beats in a synchronised manner with adjacent cells
Helps in movement of substances over the surface of epithelium
BRUSH BORDERED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM
Small cytoplasmic projections called Microvilli are present.
Microvilli increases the surface area for secretion and absorption
PSEUDOSTRATIFIED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM
Made up of single layer of cells but appears double layered.
Length of the cells and position of nucleus is different giving it a double layered appearance.
Consist of both ciliated and non-ciliated cells.
Non-ciliated cells secrete mucus while the ciliated cells helps in moving the mucus.
Example
Epithelium of Trachea and Bronchi
STRATIFIED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM
Made up of multiple layer of cells.
Only the top layer of cells are Columnar in shape.
Columnar epithelium is generally present in Embryonic tissue and poorly developed in adults.