Multicellular Intraepithelial Glands

Several secretory cells can combine to small groups in the surface epithelium. This creates multicellular intraepithelial glands 1 , which can be found in the multilayered stratified columnar epithelium of the nasal cavities as well as in the epithelium of the urethra and the conjunctiva of the eye (goblet-cell groups ).  This vertical section through the ciliate d, multilayered stratified columnar epithelium of the nasal cavity shows goblet cells 2 and a multicellular intraepithelial gland. The cytoplasm of the secretory cells is only faintly stained. Note also the loosely organized connective tissue of the lamina propria 3 .

1 Multicellular interepithelial gland

2 Goblet cells

3 Lamina propria

Stain: alum hematoxylin; magnification: × 400

References

Kuehnel, W.(2003). Color Atlas of Cytology, Histology, and Microscopic Anatomy. 4^th edition . Institute of Anatomy Universitätzu Luebeck Luebeck, Germany . Thieme Stuttgar t · New York .