This slide shows a section of fundic stomach whose folded lining is composed of simple columnar epithelium. These tall (columnar) cells (which are closely packed together) appear hexagonal when viewed from the surface, but when viewed from the side, they appear as a row of rectangles with the elongated nuclei frequently located at the same level, usually in the lower part of the cell. Simple columnar epithelial cells may be specialized for secretion (such as the goblet cells that secrete a protective layer of mucus in the small intestine), for absorption or for protection from abrasion. In addition to lining a large part of the digestive tract, simple columnar epithelium can be found in the oviducts and in many glands.