Question

Pavement epithelium is another name for
A. Cuboidal epithelium
B. Ciliated epithelium
C. Simple squamous epithelium
D. Stratified epithelium

Answer 1

Hint: It consists of flat cells. Due to flat cells, the nucleus appears elevated. The main function of this epithelium is transport of substances through diffusion.

Complete Answer:
Epithelial tissue is a protective tissue. It is a type of Animal tissue. This tissue was explained by Ruysch. In this tissue the cells rest on the basement membrane. Basement membrane is a non cellular layer.
Depending on the number of layers resting on the basement membrane, the epithelial tissue is of two types
1. Simple Epithelium
2. Compound Epithelium

1. Simple Epithelium: In this epithelium, only a single layer rests on the basement membrane. (number of cells may vary but all the cells are arranged in one layer). Thus this epithelium helps in transport of substances. The transport can be through diffusion, absorption, secretion, etc.

2. Compound Epithelium: It consists of more than one layer. Thus such an epithelium brings about protection of the structure it covers (Many layers give strength to the epithelium)

The Simple Epithelium is further divided into many types depending on the shape of the cells. The types are
(i) Simple Squamous Epithelium: These consist of flat cells. It is also known as pavement epithelium.
(ii) Simple Cuboidal Epithelium: These consist of cube-like cells.
(iii) Simple Columnar Epithelium: These have tall pillar-like cells.
(iv) Ciliated Epithelium
(v) Ciliated Columnar Epithelium: These have column-like cells with cilia.
(vi) Ciliated Cuboidal Epithelium: These have cube like cells with cilia.
(vii) Pseudostratified Epithelium: These appear as false layers as have cells of different sizes.

Hence the correct answer is option C.

Note: In case of blood vessels, squamous epithelium is seen lining the lumen and hence it is specifically known as Endothelium. Epithelium is the only Animal tissue that is derived from all the three germ layers. (Ectoderm, Mesoderm and Endoderm)