Which epithelium lines the gallbladder?

Which epithelium lines the gallbladder?

• A. Transitional epithelium
• B. Simple columnar epithelium
• C. Simple squamous epithelium
• D. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Answer: (B)

The gallbladder is lined by simple columnar epithelium. This single layer of tall, non‑ciliated cells with apical microvilli specializes in absorbing water and electrolytes from bile, concentrating it as bile is stored. That absorptive, secretory role fits a single-layer columnar lining better than other types: transitional epithelium is for stretchy urinary tract lining, simple squamous is too thin for absorption, and keratinized stratified squamous is adapted for protection in skin, not for mucosal absorption in the gallbladder.

The gallbladder is lined by simple columnar epithelium. This single layer of tall, non‑ciliated cells with apical microvilli specializes in absorbing water and electrolytes from bile, concentrating it as bile is stored. That absorptive, secretory role fits a single-layer columnar lining better than other types: transitional epithelium is for stretchy urinary tract lining, simple squamous is too thin for absorption, and keratinized stratified squamous is adapted for protection in skin, not for mucosal absorption in the gallbladder.