part of neuroepithelium 1: Simple columnar epithelium made up of cells specialized to serve as sensory cells for the reception of external stimuli, as the sensory cells of the cochlea, vestibule, nasal mucosa, and tongue. 2: The epithelium of the ectoderm, from which the central nervous system is developed. BTO:0000314 BrendaTissueOBO sensory epithelium ectoderm epithelium