Which tissue type lines kidney tubules and is composed of a single layer of cube-shaped cells?

Which tissue type lines kidney tubules and is composed of a single layer of cube-shaped cells?

• A. Simple squamous epithelium
• B. Stratified cuboidal epithelium
• C. Simple cuboidal epithelium
• D. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

Answer: (C)

A single layer of cube-shaped epithelial cells lining kidney tubules is simple cuboidal epithelium. This arrangement provides a thin but sturdy barrier that supports efficient secretion and reabsorption, which are key functions in the kidney. The cube-shaped cells have relatively equal height and width, with a central nucleus, giving a compact but still active surface. In the proximal tubule, the brush border of microvilli further increases surface area to maximize reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients, powered by abundant mitochondria to meet energy demands. Other tissue types don’t fit this description: simple squamous epithelium is composed of flat cells and lines surfaces where diffusion occurs, not tubules; stratified cuboidal epithelium has multiple cell layers and is found in some ducts; pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium consists of tall cells that appear layered and is typically found in portions of the respiratory tract.

A single layer of cube-shaped epithelial cells lining kidney tubules is simple cuboidal epithelium. This arrangement provides a thin but sturdy barrier that supports efficient secretion and reabsorption, which are key functions in the kidney. The cube-shaped cells have relatively equal height and width, with a central nucleus, giving a compact but still active surface. In the proximal tubule, the brush border of microvilli further increases surface area to maximize reabsorption of water, ions, and nutrients, powered by abundant mitochondria to meet energy demands.

Other tissue types don’t fit this description: simple squamous epithelium is composed of flat cells and lines surfaces where diffusion occurs, not tubules; stratified cuboidal epithelium has multiple cell layers and is found in some ducts; pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium consists of tall cells that appear layered and is typically found in portions of the respiratory tract.