Question

Epithelium that appears layered due to the varying levels at which nuclei are found in cells, but in reality is not layered, is

• A. transitional epithelium
• B. pseudostratified columnar epithelium
• C. stratified squamous epithelium
• D. stratified columnar epithelium

Hint:

Pseudostratified epithelium only appears layered; every cell touches the basement membrane.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: In pseudostratified columnar epithelium, all cells rest on the basement membrane, but their nuclei are located at different heights.
Step 2: Due to the varying positions of nuclei, the tissue gives the false appearance of being multilayered, even though it consists of only a single layer of cells.
Step 3: Stratified epithelia, such as stratified squamous or stratified columnar epithelium, are truly multilayered.
Step 4: Transitional epithelium is specialized for stretching and is also truly stratified. Hence, the epithelium described is pseudostratified columnar epithelium.