Findings

The renal medulla is characterized by renal tubules and collecting ducts lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. Note that the longitudinal profile of a thin loop of Henle is lined by simple squamous epithelium. Endothelium lines profiles of blood vessels filled with red blood cells.

Comment

Squamous epithelial cells are wider than they are thick. While most squamous epithelia show pronounced nuclei and little cytoplasm, those lining the thin loops of Henle can have more cytoplasm and therefore appear thicker.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

Medium-power light microscopy

Specimen

Renal medulla

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego