Identify the six types of epithelial tissue shown in the drawi...

Question

Identify the six types of epithelial tissue shown in the drawing below.

c. ___

Illustration of six types of epithelial tissue cells labeled a to f, showing various shapes and layers.

Accepted Answer

Welcome back, everyone. Which of the following locations is lined by a simple columnar epithelium. A, the skin epidermis, B blood vessels c small intestine or D kidney tubules. Starting with choice. A, the skin epidermis. Let's recall that the skin epidermis is made up of stratified squamous epithelium. And this is because recall that stratified squamous epithelium consists of multiple layers of epithelial cells which make it thick enough to provide adequate protection to the skin from friction and chemical abrasion by any external factors. For that reason, we're going to rule out choice. A because being lined by simple columnar epithelium does not provide enough layers of protection of epithelium for the skin epidermis. Recall that the epidermis is that outermost layer of the skin. So it needs adequate protection. Then we have B blood vessels. Let's recall that blood vessels are going to be lined by simple squamous epithelium. So they will just consist of a single layer of flattened shaped epithelial cells. And it is the thinness and smoothness of the simple squamous epithelium which will allow for a minimal diffusion distance so that there is efficient exchange of gasses nutrients and waste products between the blood and the blood vessels and surrounding tissues. So, having stra sorry, having simple columnar epithelium would decrease that minimal or rather it would increase that minimal diffusion distance. Since columnar epithelium are much larger than squamous epithelium, which as we stated, are going to be flattened. And so for that reason, we will rule out choice B, they will not be line, blood vessels will not be lined by simple columnar epithelium. Then we have c the small intestine recall that the small intestine secretes digestive enzymes. It also secretes mucus and hormones which aid in the digestion of food. Also recall that the small intestine then absorbs nutrients, water and electrolytes from the digested food into the blood stream. So for this paired function of secretion and absorption characteristic of the small intestine recall that the proper epithelial tissue to allow the efficient role of these processes is going to be simple columnar epithelial cells. So this type of epithelium will line the small intestines. And this is because as we outlined simple columnar epithelium consists of a single layer of the column shaped epithelium cells which are tall and elongated and increase the surface area available for absorption and secretion. And this allows for efficient nutrient absorption and secretion of digestive enzymes. And mucus also recall that on the apy surface of columnar epithelium are finger like projections known as micro villa. So I'm representing that as these small lines and these micro villa characteristic to simple columnar epithelial cells will further increase the surface area and absorption that is experienced in the small intestine. And that is because these micro villa will CRE create a brush border that enhances nutrient absorption in the ilium portion of the small intestine, which is that final portion of the small intestine. So because of all of these reasons, let's place a check mark by choice. C it looks like a great answer. And then we have d the kidney tubules. Let's begin by recalling that the kidney tubules have a function of reabsorption of electrolytes such as sodium and also play a role in the excretion of urine. They also have a role in blood pressure, sorry blood pressure control. Because of these functions of the kidney tubules, it is vital that they are going to be lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. This is because recall that simple cuboidal epithelium have a large number of mitochondria which provide energy during the active transport involved during the reabsorption process in the kidney tubules. Now, the kidney tubules do not correlate to being lined by simple columnar epithelium. And for that reason, we will rule out choice D and that allows us to confirm that choice C. The small intestine is an example of a location that is lined by simple columnar epithelium. This is our final answer. I hope this made sense and let us know if you have any questions

Identify the six types of epithelial tissue shown in the drawing below.
c. ___

Key Concepts

Types of Epithelial Tissue

Simple vs. Stratified Epithelium

Specialized Epithelial Structures

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