Final answer:
The correct statement regarding epithelia is that stratified epithelia are important for protecting against abrasion in areas like the skin and internal linings. Stratified squamous epithelium is an example found in such areas, as it has multiple layers of cells for protection. Simple and pseudostratified epithelia have other functions, like secretion and absorption or providing a false appearance of layering, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding epithelia is: "Stratified epithelia are present where protection from abrasion is important." Stratified epithelium consists of several stacked layers of cells and serves to protect against physical and chemical wear and tear. Examples include stratified squamous epithelium, which is found in the skin, mouth, and vagina where it guards against outside abrasion and damage. This is because the top layers are more susceptible to wear and can be easily replaced. In contrast, simple epithelia are organized as a single layer of cells and are not typically associated with areas of high abrasion. Pseudostratified epithelia, despite their name, only have a single layer of cells that appears to be multilayered due to the varying positions of their nuclei.