Final answer:
The lining of the vagina is composed of Stratified squamous epithelium, which protects against abrasion and is typical of areas with high wear and tear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking which type of epithelial tissue lines the vagina. The correct answer is E) Stratified squamous epithelium. This tissue is characterized by several layers of cells, with the most apical layers consisting of flattened squamous cells. This type of tissue is designed to protect against abrasion and it is found in areas subjected to a significant amount of wear and tear, such as the vaginal lining. As a comparison, pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium is a type that specializes in moving particles across its surface, found in airways and the lining of the oviduct. Simple columnar epithelium, with nuclei located close to the basal side of the cell, is involved in absorption and secretion and is found in the digestive system and parts of the female reproductive tract.