1. Cuboidal Epithelium:
Location: It is present in the lining of pancreatic ducts, salivary duct, proximal and distal convoluted tubules of nephron, etc.
Structure:
1. The cells are cuboidal in shape.
2. They have a centrally placed, spherical nucleus. Functions: Absorption and secretion.
2. Structure:
1. The cells of the glandular epithelium can be columnar, cuboidal or pyramidal in shape.
2. The nucleus of these cells is large and situated towards the base.
3. Secretory granules are present in the cell cytoplasm.
4. Glands consist of glandular epithelium. The glands may be either unicellular (goblet cells of intestine) or multicellular (salivary gland), depending on the number of cells.
5. Types: Depending on the mode of secretion, multicellular glands can be further classified as duct bearing glands (exocrine glands) ad ductless glands (endocrine glands).
a. Exocrine glands: These glands pour their secretions at a specific site. e.g. salivary gland, sweat gland, etc.
b. Endocrine glands: These glands release their secretions directly into the blood stream, e.g. thyroid gland, pituitary gland, etc.
6. Function: Glandular epithelium secretes mucus to trap the dust particles, lubricate the inner surface of respiratory and digestive tracts, secrete enzymes and hormones, etc.
Heterocrine glands:
1. Heterocrine glands or composite glands have both exocrine and endocrine function.
2. Pancreas is called a heterocrine gland because it secretes the hormone insulin into blood which is an endocrine function and enzymes into digestive tract which is an exocrine function.
