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Stratified Cuboidal

High magnification light micrograph showing stratified cuboidal epithelium of the parotid gland. Intense pink staining highlights cellular and extracellular structures. Darker spots within the cuboidal cells represent nuclei. A central clear lumen is surrounded by cell layers, suggesting secretory activity. Connective tissue matrix appears between acini with visible capillaries. The image is evenly illuminated.
Figure 1: Microscopic view of stratified cuboidal parotid gland tissue, pink and cellular.

Stratified cuboidal epithelium is relatively rare in the body. It is a type of epithelial tissue characterized by multiple layers of cube-shaped cells. Unlike simple cuboidal epithelium, which consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells, stratified cuboidal epithelium has two or more layers of cells. These layers are stacked on top of each other.

Cell Shape

The cells in the outer layers (superficial layers) are cuboidal in shape. They resemble cubes. In contrast, the cells in the deeper layers (basal layers) may be more columnar. They can also be irregularly shaped.

Layering

This type of epithelia has only one layer of these squamous cells.

Function

Stratified cuboidal epithelium provides protection against mechanical stress and maintains tissue integrity. It may also be involved in secretion, although its exact function depends on its location within the body.

Locations

Stratified cuboidal epithelium lines the ducts of some glands. Examples include sweat glands, mammary glands, and salivary glands. In these locations, it helps in the secretion of glandular products and provides protection to the underlying tissues. In the male urethra, stratified cuboidal epithelium may be present. It is found particularly in the transitional zone between the urethral epithelium and the transitional epithelium of the bladder.

Specializations

Stratified cuboidal epithelial cells may exhibit different specializations depending on their specific location and function. These may include the presence of microvilli or cilia on their apical surface. They may also involve the secretion of specific glandular products.

A histological section of a parotid gland, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The arrangement shows dark reddish-purple glandular acini, lighter stromal tissues with white adipocytes (rounded with empty centers), and ductal structures, stained in pink. The intercalated duct displays a stratified cuboidal shape, and appears like a long string connecting the glands. Field of view shows medium resolution, suitable for cellular-level observation.
Figure 2: Parotid gland microscopic view showing stratified cuboidal epithelium and glandular tissues.
Micrograph of parotid gland tissue with pink eosin staining. High magnification reveals stratified cuboidal epithelium lining circular tubules and ducts. Acinar cells stain darker and form granular patterns. White areas indicate adipose tissue.
Figure 3: Parotid salivary gland microscopic view showing stratified cuboidal epithelium.
High-magnification light micrograph of a stratified cuboidal parotid gland. A long tubular duct runs horizontally through the center, lumen clearly visible as white space. Pink-stained cuboidal epithelial cells line the duct. Scattered fibroblasts and blood vessels of varying sizes appear in the surrounding connective tissue matrix. The tissue is stained predominantly pink, with dark spots indicating nuclei.
Figure 4: Microscopic view of stratified cuboidal parotid gland tissue, stained pink.

Figure 1: Sublingual gland, H&E, 40X, Slide 185
Figure 2, 3, and 4: Parotid gland, H&E, 40X Slide 180
All by University of Michigan Histology, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

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General Information
Simple Squamous
Stratified Squamous
Simple Cuboidal
Stratified Cuboidal
Simple Columnar
Stratified Columnar
Transitional
Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar

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