Question 1

Which of the following best explains why epithelial tissue is avascular but still able to survive and function?

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue receives nutrients and removes waste via diffusion from the underlying vascular connective tissue.

Question 2

A patient suffers a burn that destroys the apical surface of their skin epithelium. Which function of epithelial tissue is most directly compromised?

Accepted Answer

Protection against external environmental factors

Question 3

Which structural feature of epithelial tissue allows it to function effectively as a selective barrier?

Accepted Answer

Closely-packed cells connected by tight junctions

Question 4

Why is a high rate of cell division (mitosis) important for epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

It enables rapid renewal and repair in areas exposed to friction and chemical damage.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of the basement membrane in epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a diffusion barrier and provides structural support for the epithelium.

Question 6

A researcher observes that certain epithelial cells have microvilli on their apical surface. What is the most likely function of these cells?

Accepted Answer

Increasing surface area for absorption

Question 7

Which type of cell junction is primarily responsible for preventing the movement of substances between adjacent epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Question 8

A mutation disrupts the formation of hemidesmosomes in epithelial tissue. Which of the following is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Reduced adhesion of epithelial cells to the basement membrane

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why epithelial tissue is often found in areas of the body where absorption occurs, such as the intestines?

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue has specialized apical modifications like microvilli that increase surface area for absorption.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

Generation of voluntary movement

Question 11

A pathologist observes that a sample of epithelial tissue is richly innervated but lacks blood vessels. Which property of epithelial tissue does this observation confirm?

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue is avascular but innervated.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between the apical and basal surfaces of epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

The apical surface faces the body exterior or lumen, while the basal surface is attached to the basement membrane.

Question 13

A patient has a genetic defect that impairs the formation of desmosomes in their epithelial tissue. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Increased fragility and easy separation of epithelial cells under mechanical stress

Question 14

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between surface area and absorption rate in epithelial tissue with microvilli?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{Absorption Rate} \propto 	ext{Surface Area}$

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the filtration function of epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

Passage of fluid through kidney glomeruli under pressure

Question 16

If the arrangement of proteins in the basement membrane is altered, which of the following is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

The ability of epithelial cells to adhere to underlying connective tissue

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why some epithelial tissues are described as 'leaky'?

Accepted Answer

They have fewer or less effective tight junctions, allowing some substances to pass between cells.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of the importance of cilia on the apical surface of epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

Cilia in the respiratory tract move mucus and trapped particles out of the airways.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of glycoproteins and collagen in the basement membrane?

Accepted Answer

They provide structural support and mediate cell adhesion.

Epithelial Tissue: Structure, Function, and Characteristics

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