Multiple Choice
In the epidermis, which layer contains mitotically active basal keratinocytes responsible for ongoing cell division and is the deepest layer of the epidermis?
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1. Overview of Cell Biology
Overview of Tissue Structures
Multiple Choice
In an overview of tissue structures, which body structure is characterized by a wall that is only one cell thick to allow rapid diffusion of gases?
A
Urinary bladder (transitional epithelium)
B
Alveoli of the lungs (simple squamous epithelium)
C
Esophagus (stratified squamous epithelium)
D
Trachea (pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium)
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the function of the body structure in question. Rapid diffusion of gases requires a very thin barrier to allow gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass quickly between air and blood.
Step 2: Recall the types of epithelial tissues and their characteristics. Simple squamous epithelium consists of a single layer of flat cells, which is ideal for diffusion.
Step 3: Analyze each option's epithelial type and its suitability for gas diffusion. For example, transitional epithelium (urinary bladder) is designed for stretching, stratified squamous epithelium (esophagus) protects against abrasion, and pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (trachea) helps move mucus.
Step 4: Identify that alveoli of the lungs are lined with simple squamous epithelium, which is only one cell thick, facilitating rapid gas exchange between air and blood.
Step 5: Conclude that the alveoli are the correct answer because their thin epithelial wall allows efficient diffusion of gases, unlike the other listed structures.
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