stratified columnar epithelium stratified columnar epithelium stratified columnar epithelium is a rare type of epithelial tissue composed of column-shaped cells arranged in multiple layers. it is found in the conjunctiva, pharynx, anus, and male urethra. it also occurs in embryo. stratified columnar epitheliumdetailsshapeseveral layers; apical cells are columnar shapedidentifiersthh2.00.02.0.02032 fma45564anatomical terms of microanatomy this article is part of a series onepithelia squamous epithelial cell simple stratified columnar epithelial cell simple stratified pseudostratified cuboidal epithelial cell simple stratified specialised epithelia olfactory respiratory intestinal transitional vaginal germinal female male other table of epithelia of human organs location stratified columnar epithelia are found in a variety of locations, including: parts of the conjunctiva of the eye parts of the pharynx anus male urethra and vas deferens excretory duct of mammary gland and major salivary glands embryology stratified columnar epithelium is initially present in parts of the gastrointestinal tract in utero, before being replaced with other types of epithelium. for example, by 8 weeks, it covers the lining of the stomach. by 17 weeks, it is replaced by simple columnar epithelium. this is also found in the fetal esophagus. function the cells function in secretion and protection.