Question

Sensory epithelial cells are modified ________.
A. Nerve cells
B. Columnar cells
C. Glandular cells
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Sensory epithelial cells make sensory epithelium which is a layer of tissue responsible for collecting signals from the environment. These signals are then transferred to other sensory cells and then finally to neurons to process in the brain. The sensory signal is converted into an electrical signal. Rectangular shaped cells form sensory epithelial cells.

Step by step answer:Our skin is lined by various epithelial tissues. The epithelium makes the outer coverings or lining of the body and organs. There are various types of epithelial tissues. They differ based on size, shape, and function. The columnar cells are rectangular in shape. They have various different functions in the body. Sensory, absorption, propulsion, protection are some of the specialized functions of epithelial cells.
The sensory type columnar epithelial cells are found in the lining of sensory organs like the nose, ear, taste bud of the tongue, etc. The columnar sensory cells are specialized to receive or collect environmental signals. These signals are called stimuli. The stimuli can be in the form of the sound wave, chemicals, etc. These molecules bind to the sensory epithelial cells and send signals forward to the neurons in the brain to process them into electrical signals. The transformation of chemical or physical signals into electrical signals is called transduction. Nerve cells are specialized sensory cells that are capable of converting chemical signals into electrical signals. The cervix and the uterus are lined by glandular cells. These are involved in the menstrual cycle and production of cervical mucus.
Thus, the right answer is option B.

Note: The sensory epithelium in the human body has a very important role to play. The visual epithelium located in the retina of the eye helps in photoreception. The olfactory epithelium senses the chemicals or molecules that produce a sense of smell. The auditory receptors are mechanoreceptors that detect the wave of cilia in-ear by sound waves.