Question

"epithelium lin- ing the bronchi can undergo metaplasia and transform into stratified squamous epithelium. Stratified epithelium is defined as epithelial membrane composed of more than one cell layer. Stratified squamous epithelium is classi- fied by the flattened shape of the cells in the surface layer. Examples of tissues with strati- fied squamous epithelium include the skin, mouth, anus, vagina, and esophagus. While it is wrongly believed that stratified epithelium is the result of the need for additional protection from the noxious smoke, the metaplasia actu- ally results from genetic mutation related to the developing cancer.

Answer A is incorrect. Pseudostratified colum- nar epithelium is the normal respiratory epi- thelium on the right that is undergoing meta- plasia. This type of epithelium only appears stratified; however, all cells are in contact with basal lamina and only some cells reach the sur- face of epithelium.
Answer B is incorrect. Simple squamous epi- thelium lines alveoli, the loops of Henle, and blood vessels. Simple epithelium indicates that the epithelial membrane is composed of a sin- gle layer of cells, which helps when diffusion is important. Under the microscope, simple squamous epithelium is characterized by a single sheet of flattened cells lying on a basal lamina. It does not play a role in this case.
Answer C is incorrect. Stratified columnar epithelium is found in only a few places in the body, namely, the conjunctivae of the eye and regions of the male urethra. It is composed of a low polyhedral to cuboidal deeper layer in contact with the basal lamina along with a su- perficial layer of columnar cells.
Answer E is incorrect. The bladder is lined by transitional epithelium, not the lung. Tran- sitional epithelium is characterized by several layers of cuboidal cells, with the surface layer being large and dome-shaped.

Answer 1

Stratified epithelium is a multi-layered tissue that serves as a barrier and protection for underlying tissues, with types varying from keratinized in skin to non-keratinized in mucous membranes. Transitional epithelium in the bladder changes shape when stretched, and pseudostratified epithelium, while appearing multi-layered, is single-layered and lines the respiratory tract.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stratified epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue composed of several layers of cells, providing protection against physical and chemical damage. One of the most common types found in the human body is the stratified squamous epithelium, characterized by a flat and thin appearance of the surface layer cells, with the basal layer containing columnar or cuboidal cells. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, such as that of the skin, features an apical surface layer of dead cells filled with keratin, while non-keratinized examples include the mucous membranes in the mouth and esophagus.

In the urinary system, transitional epithelium adjusts to the stretch of the bladder as it fills with urine, showcasing a unique ability among epithelial tissues to change shape. Conversely, simple epithelium consists of a single layer of cells attached to the basal lamina. Pseudostratified epithelium gives the illusion of multiple layers due to the arrangement of nuclei, yet is in fact a single-layered epithelium, prevalent in the respiratory tract where cilia and mucus produced by goblet cells help protect against inhaled irritants.