Question

Characteristic of epithelial tissues is
(a)They never produce glands
(b)Cells can undergo rapid divisions
(c)They have abundant vascularisation
(d)They are large intercellular spaces

Answer 1

Hint: Epithelium has only one cell layer. Here, every cell is in direct contact with the underlying basement membrane. The five characteristics of epithelium are cellularity, polarity, attachment, vascularity, and regeneration.

Complete answer:
-Due to the presence of the basement membrane, simple epithelium makes a definite layer.
-Simple type of epithelium is found inside the body probably because of its delicate nature.
-Epithelium forms the lining of the body cavities, blood and lymph vessels, heart, and respiratory system.
-As the simple epithelium layer is thin in nature, it has the physiological advantage of faster absorption and filtration.
-Due to the ability of simple epithelium, especially is present in the lining of the digestive tract and for the exchange surfaces in the lungs.The endocrine as a cell is produced by the epithelial cells as the exocrine cells.
-Epithelial tissue cells can go through rapid division. Between the cells of the epithelial tissue, there are small intercellular spaces.

Additional Information: -There are four types of epithelium.
- Simple squamous is present in the blood and lymphatic vessels, air sacs of lungs, lining of the heart. It secrets lubricating substance, allows diffusion and filtration.
-Simple cuboidal is present in the secretory ducts of small glands, kidney tubules which allows secretion and absorption.
-Simple columnar is present in bronchi, uterine tubes, in the uterus as ciliary columnar; digestive tract, and in the bladder as nonciliated columnar epithelium. It allows in absorption, secretes mucus, and enzymes.
-Pseudostratified simple columnar is present in the trachea and most of the upper respiratory tract (ciliated cells) and secretes mucus which moves with cilia.
So, the correct answer is ‘Cells can undergo rapid divisions’.

Note: The epithelial layers contain no blood vessels, so they receive their nourishment via diffusion of substances from the underlying connective tissue called the basement membrane.