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Which of the following epithelial tissues is specialised for absorption and lines the inner surface of the intestine?
Columnar epithelium
Cuboidal epithelium
Stratified epithelium
Ciliated epithelium
Columnar epithelium
Columnar epithelium consists of tall, narrow, column-like cells that provide a larger surface area for absorption and secretion. Because of this specialized structure, it is the primary tissue lining the inner surface of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the stomach and intestines.
Columnar epithelium consists of tall, narrow, column-like cells that provide a larger surface area for absorption and secretion. Because of this specialized structure, it is the primary tissue lining the inner surface of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the stomach and intestines.
Think of columnar cells as tall, thin bookshelves that maximize storage space on a wall compared to wide, flat cabinets; the height allows for more 'shelf space' (surface area) to absorb the incoming nutrients.
Columnar = 'C' for 'Column' and 'Carbohydrates/Calories' (Absorption).
SA=тИСi=1nтАЛAiтАЛ тАФ Total surface area calculation for absorption where AiтАЛ represents the area of individual microvilli.
The tall shape of these cells allows for a higher volume of cytoplasm, which facilitates the active transport of nutrients across the membrane. In the small intestine, the apical surface of these cells is often modified into microvilli, which significantly increases the surface area for nutrient absorption, expressed as SAтИЭr2. This morphological adaptation enables the efficient uptake of digested food molecules from the lumen into the bloodstream.
Columnar cells possess nuclei usually located near the base of the cell.
Microvilli on the brush border increase the surface area for absorption by up to 600 times.
These cells often contain goblet cells that secrete mucus to protect the lining.
High capacity for metabolic activity
Efficient surface for selective absorption
Effective secretion of enzymes and mucus
More susceptible to mechanical damage compared to stratified squamous epithelium.
Inner lining of the small and large intestine
Lining of the gallbladder
Lining of the oviducts (when ciliated)
Cuboidal epithelium is typically found in kidney tubules and ducts of glands for secretion.
Stratified epithelium is multi-layered, providing protection against mechanical stress in areas like the skin.
Ciliated epithelium is specialized to move particles, often found in the respiratory tract.
A is correct тАФ Columnar epithelium is specifically adapted for high-rate absorption due to its tall cell structure and presence of apical microvilli in the digestive tract.
Always link the 'structure' of a cell to its 'function'тАФif a question asks about absorption, look for structures that maximize surface area (like microvilli) or specialize in transport.
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