T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
As its name implies, this epithelium appears to be stratified (i.e., has multiple layers of cells) but in fact all of the cells are attached to the basement membrane. Therefore, it is a simple epithelium. The stratified appearance is due to the nuclei of individual cells being present at different levels.
Cilia - extend 5 to 7 µm from the surface of the epithelial cells. The dark line at their base is from their basal bodies.
Goblet Cells - scattered cells that secrete mucus. They are difficult to identify in this specimen, but a thick layer of mucus covers some regions of the epithelium.
Basement Membrane - the epithelium is separated from the underlying connective tissue by a thick basement membrane. It is seen as an acidophilic band beneath the epithelium.
This pseudostratified ciliated, columnar epithelium with goblet cells is known as respiratory epithelium.
