What category of cells would you expect to find in the collecting ducts of the kidney?

The correct answer is that in the collecting ducts of the kidney, you would expect to find cuboidal and columnar cells. These types of cells are characteristic of the epithelium lining the collecting ducts.

Cuboidal cells are typically involved in secretion and absorption functions, which are important in the kidneys for managing water and electrolyte balance. As the collecting duct progresses, the cells can become columnar, especially in areas that are involved in the final adjustments of urine composition. This transition aids in the processes of reabsorption and secretion that are critical in urine formation.

The other cell types mentioned in the other choices do not accurately represent the cell morphology found in the collecting ducts. Spherical and polyhedral cells, rectangular cells, and round or oval cells are not the predominant forms of epithelial cells typically found in this part of the nephron. Understanding the structure and function of these cells helps to clarify how the kidney optimally manages fluid balance and waste excretion.