Anatomical terms of microanatomy

This helps describe precisely the structure, layout and position of an object, and minimises ambiguity.

[4] However, when taller simple columnar epithelial cells are viewed in cross section showing several nuclei appearing at different heights, they can be confused with stratified epithelia.

Some mucous membranes secrete mucus, a thick protective fluid.

The function of the membrane is to stop pathogens and dirt from entering the body and to prevent bodily tissues from becoming dehydrated.

The gut has intrinsic peristaltic activity (basal electrical rhythm) due to its self-contained enteric nervous system.

The hollow inner part of a body organ (such as the gastrointestinal tract) or tube (such as an artery) is called the lumen.

This Histological section taken from the gastric antrum , showing the stomach wall. The lumen of the stomach is the upper empty portion, and is surrounded by a single layer of columnar cells, called simple columnar epithelium .