Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 13 December 2020

Pseudostratified Columnar Epithelium

This diagram represents pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

This is a special type of simple epithelium called pseudostratified epithelium as it resembles stratified epithelium due to the positioning of the cellular nuclei, but is comprised of only a single layer of cells. Pseudostratified epithelium is most commonly found in the form of columnar shaped epithelium, but can also be formed from squamous or cuboidal epithelia.

Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelia is found lining the trachea and upper respiratory tract.

Non-ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelia is found in the membranous part of the vas deferens and also lining the epididymis of the male reproductive system.