The cervical epithelium is a tall simple columnar epithelium. The nuclei are found at the base of the cells (HA31). The cells stain poorly because they produce copious amounts of mucus (arrows). This section is taken from the internal aspect of the cervix (endocervix), which has a simple columnar epithelium. The epithelium covering the external surface of the cervix (exocervix) where it protrudes into the vagina is a stratified squamous epithelium. Cervical carcinomas arise in the stratified squamous epithelium, often at the transition point from one type of epithelium to the other.