Which tissue type is described as having thin, flattened cells arranged in a single layer?

Which tissue type is described as having thin, flattened cells arranged in a single layer?

• A. Transitional epithelium
• B. Simple cuboidal epithelium
• C. Simple squamous epithelium
• D. None of the above

Answer: (C)

Epithelial tissues are classified by the shape of their cells and by how many layers they form. When cells are thin and flat and arranged in a single layer, they are simple squamous epithelium. The thin, flattened cells allow substances to pass through quickly, making this type ideal for rapid diffusion and filtration, as seen in the alveoli of the lungs and the lining of blood vessels. Transitional epithelium is multilayered and changes shape with stretch, so it doesn’t fit the description of a single flat layer. Simple cuboidal epithelium has cube-shaped cells in a single layer and is more involved in secretion and absorption, not a flat, diffusion-friendly arrangement. Therefore, the description best matches simple squamous epithelium.

Epithelial tissues are classified by the shape of their cells and by how many layers they form. When cells are thin and flat and arranged in a single layer, they are simple squamous epithelium. The thin, flattened cells allow substances to pass through quickly, making this type ideal for rapid diffusion and filtration, as seen in the alveoli of the lungs and the lining of blood vessels. Transitional epithelium is multilayered and changes shape with stretch, so it doesn’t fit the description of a single flat layer. Simple cuboidal epithelium has cube-shaped cells in a single layer and is more involved in secretion and absorption, not a flat, diffusion-friendly arrangement. Therefore, the description best matches simple squamous epithelium.