Final answer:
The vaginal mucosa is lined by non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium, which is durable and provides protection against friction and other challenges inside the vagina. The correct answer is (B). Additionally, the mucosa of glands like the cervix provide lubrication for the vagina, and the vaginal environment is acidic due to lactic acid production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vagina is an important part of the female reproductive system with several purposes, including as a passageway for menstrual flow, intercourse, and childbirth. When discussing the vaginal mucosa, it is lined by non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium which is essential for protecting the underlying tissues. This type of epithelium is made to withstand the wear and tear that the vaginal mucosa experiences.
The correct statement about the vaginal mucosa is therefore (B) It is lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. This kind of epithelial tissue is durable and able to tolerate the friction and various changes that occur within the vagina.
In contrast, the mucosa of glands like the cervix provide the lubrication for the vagina, not the vaginal mucosa itself, thus making (D) partially correct in context but not absolutely true for the mucosa. Furthermore, the cells within the vagina do produce acidic compounds, like lactic acid, to maintain a low pH environment that is hostile to pathogens, which lends support to option (E).