Which type forms the lining of very active parts of the body such as the stomach and consists of a single layer of tall, rectangular cells attached to a basement membrane?

Which type forms the lining of very active parts of the body such as the stomach and consists of a single layer of tall, rectangular cells attached to a basement membrane?

• A. Simple cuboidal epithelium
• B. Stratified squamous epithelium
• C. Columnar epithelium
• D. Simple squamous epithelium

Answer: (C)

Columnar epithelium forms the lining of highly active regions like the stomach because it is a single layer of tall, column-shaped cells attached to a basement membrane. This tall, narrow arrangement provides a sturdy surface for both secretion and absorption, which the stomach performs as it processes food. The nuclei sit near the base, and the tissue often includes mucus-secreting goblet cells to protect and lubricate the lining. In contrast, simple squamous is a single layer of flat cells suited for rapid diffusion; simple cuboidal has cube-shaped cells good for secretion and absorption but not as tall; stratified squamous has multiple layers for protection in areas of wear. The described structure matches columnar epithelium.

Columnar epithelium forms the lining of highly active regions like the stomach because it is a single layer of tall, column-shaped cells attached to a basement membrane. This tall, narrow arrangement provides a sturdy surface for both secretion and absorption, which the stomach performs as it processes food. The nuclei sit near the base, and the tissue often includes mucus-secreting goblet cells to protect and lubricate the lining. In contrast, simple squamous is a single layer of flat cells suited for rapid diffusion; simple cuboidal has cube-shaped cells good for secretion and absorption but not as tall; stratified squamous has multiple layers for protection in areas of wear. The described structure matches columnar epithelium.