Question

The inability to absorb nutrients may be due to damage of which type of epithelium
A) Stratified squamous
B) Simple cuboidal
C) Simple ciliated columnar
D) Simple squamous

Answer 1

Hint: Epithelium is one type of animal tissue that is made up of a thin, continuous and protective layer of cells. They are known to line the outer surfaces of the body as well as the inner surface of many internal organs.

Complete answer:
The epithelial cells are of three main types- squamous, cuboidal and columnar. The squamous epithelial cells are wider compared to their height and found in the lining of the mouth, oesophagus, alveoli as well as blood vessels. Cuboidal epithelial cells are those which have the same height and width approximately and columnar epithelial cells are those where the cells are taller than their width. Apart from this classification the epithelium is classified on the basis of layers of cells into simple epithelium and stratified epithelium.

The cells of simple epithelium are composed of a single layer and each cell is in direct contact with the basement membrane and are of four types- simple squamous, simple columnar, simple cuboidal and pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells. In contrast the cells of stratified epithelium are multi-layered and are capable of withstanding chemical and mechanical stress. They are also divided into four types- stratified squamous, stratified columnar, stratified cuboidal and pseudostratified epithelial cells. Out of the given options in the question the simple cuboidal cells are those which when damaged cannot absorb nutrients.

So the correct answer is option (B) Simple cuboidal.

Note: Epithelial cells have many important functions such as protection of underlying tissues, secretion of hormones, exchange and regulation of chemicals, provide sensation, etc.