Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of simple squamous epithelium in the alveoli of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Providing a permeable barrier for rapid exchange of gases such as $O_2$ and $CO_2$

Question 2

A patient has a burn that destroys the outermost layer of skin. Which type of epithelial tissue is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium, keratinized

Question 3

Which structural feature is common to all epithelial tissues and is essential for their function as barriers?

Accepted Answer

Basement membrane separating them from underlying connective tissue

Question 4

A biopsy from the lining of the urinary bladder reveals cells that appear cuboidal when relaxed and squamous when stretched. What type of epithelium is this?

Accepted Answer

Transitional epithelium

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why epithelial tissues have a high regenerative capacity?

Accepted Answer

They are exposed to frequent friction and damage, necessitating rapid cell division.

Question 6

A histology slide shows a single layer of tall, closely packed cells with oval nuclei aligned at the same level, and goblet cells are present. Which tissue is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Simple columnar epithelium

Question 7

Which of the following is a key function of pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium in the trachea?

Accepted Answer

Secretion and movement of mucus to trap and remove particulates

Question 8

A surgeon needs to amputate an entire upper extremity. In which anatomical plane should the cut be made?

Accepted Answer

Frontal plane

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the apical-basal polarity of epithelial tissues?

Accepted Answer

Cells have distinct apical (exposed) and basal (attached) surfaces with different structures and functions

Question 10

A patient presents with difficulty absorbing nutrients in the small intestine. Which epithelial tissue is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Simple columnar epithelium with microvilli

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Contains abundant extracellular matrix

Question 12

Which type of epithelial tissue is best suited for areas subject to abrasion, such as the lining of the mouth and esophagus?

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium, non-keratinized

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why the skin is more resistant to water loss than the lining of the mouth?

Accepted Answer

The skin contains keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which provides a waterproof barrier

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct order of organization from smallest to largest?

Accepted Answer

Cell $\rightarrow$ Tissue $\rightarrow$ Organ $\rightarrow$ Organ system

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the basement membrane in epithelial tissues?

Accepted Answer

It anchors the epithelium to underlying connective tissue and acts as a selective barrier

Question 16

A histology slide shows multiple layers of flat cells at the surface, with deeper layers appearing more cuboidal. Which tissue is this?

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of simple cuboidal epithelium in the kidney tubules?

Accepted Answer

Secretion and absorption, especially active transport

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands formed by epithelial tissue?

Accepted Answer

Exocrine glands secrete products onto body surfaces or into body cavities, while endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream

Question 19

A patient with chronic respiratory infections is found to have defective cilia in the tracheal epithelium. Which function is most directly impaired?

Accepted Answer

Movement of mucus and trapped particles out of the airway

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the main function of transitional epithelium in the urinary bladder?

Accepted Answer

Protection against urine cytotoxicity and ability to stretch with bladder filling

Histology, Part 1: Epithelial Tissues – Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards