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Quizzes > Science

Epithelial Tissue Histology Quiz: Identify Tissues on Slides

Quick, free histology lab practical quiz with instant feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Kamilah Nurdini TarwanaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of epithelial tissue models for a free scored histology practical quiz on a teal background

This quiz helps you identify epithelial tissues on realistic lab slides and check your understanding with instant feedback. Build confidence for lab practicals and spot weak areas fast. For more practice, try the histology slides quiz, the connective tissue identification quiz, or the histopathology quiz.

Which epithelial tissue is best suited for rapid diffusion of gases in the alveoli of the lungs?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Simple cuboidal epithelium
Simple squamous epithelium
Stratified squamous epithelium
The alveoli require an extremely thin barrier to allow efficient gas exchange. Simple squamous epithelium consists of a single layer of flattened cells facilitating rapid diffusion. Other epithelial types have thicker or multiple layers which impede diffusion.
Which epithelium lines the trachea and contains cilia and mucus-secreting cells?
Stratified cuboidal epithelium
Simple columnar epithelium
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
Transitional epithelium
The trachea is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, which has goblet cells that secrete mucus and cilia that move particles out of the airway. Despite the appearance of multiple layers, every cell contacts the basement membrane. This arrangement traps and clears debris effectively.
Which epithelial tissue forms the lining of the proximal convoluted tubule in the kidney?
Stratified columnar epithelium
Simple squamous epithelium
Stratified cuboidal epithelium
Simple cuboidal epithelium
The proximal convoluted tubule is lined by simple cuboidal epithelium, which facilitates both absorption and secretion. The single layer of cube-shaped cells often has a brush border of microvilli to increase surface area. This supports the reabsorption of water and solutes.
Which epithelium protects underlying tissues from abrasion in the oral cavity?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium
Stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium
Simple columnar epithelium
The oral cavity is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, which resists abrasion while remaining moist and flexible. Unlike the skin, this epithelium retains nuclei in the surface cells and lacks a thick keratin layer. Its multiple layers provide protection against mechanical stress.
Which epithelial tissue allows the urinary bladder to stretch during filling?
Simple columnar epithelium
Transitional epithelium
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Stratified cuboidal epithelium
Transitional epithelium, or urothelium, lines the urinary tract and can accommodate stretch by altering cell shape. Superficial "umbrella" cells flatten as the bladder distends, maintaining a barrier against urine. This specialized epithelium prevents leakage and damage.
Which epithelial tissue is specialized for nutrient absorption in the small intestine?
Stratified cuboidal epithelium
Simple columnar epithelium
Simple squamous epithelium
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
The small intestine is lined by simple columnar epithelium with microvilli (forming a brush border) to maximize absorptive surface area. Goblet cells interspersed between them secrete mucus for lubrication. This arrangement optimizes nutrient uptake.
Which modification increases the absorptive surface area of intestinal epithelial cells?
Microvilli
Desmosomes
Cilia
Basal infoldings
Microvilli are fingerlike projections of the apical membrane containing actin filaments that greatly increase surface area for absorption. They form the brush border on intestinal epithelial cells. Cilia, in contrast, are larger and motile. Desmosomes and basal infoldings serve different functions.
Which intercellular junction forms a seal that prevents paracellular leakage between epithelial cells?
Desmosome
Hemidesmosome
Gap junction
Tight junction (zonula occludens)
Tight junctions (zonula occludens) create a continuous belt around epithelial cells, sealing the paracellular space and preventing leakage of solutes. Gap junctions allow communication, desmosomes provide mechanical adhesion, and hemidesmosomes attach cells to the basement membrane.
Which epithelium is typically found in the ducts of sweat glands and consists of two layers of cuboidal cells?
Stratified columnar epithelium
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Stratified cuboidal epithelium
Simple cuboidal epithelium
Sweat gland ducts are lined by stratified cuboidal epithelium, usually two cell layers thick, which provides a protective lining while allowing transport. Simple cuboidal is single-layered, stratified columnar has taller surface cells, and pseudostratified appears layered but each cell contacts the basement membrane.
Which feature distinguishes keratinized from non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium?
Cells connected by stereocilia
Superficial cells lack nuclei and are filled with keratin
Intercellular spaces filled with fluid
Presence of mucus-secreting cells on the surface
In keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, the superficial layer of cells is dead and anucleate, filled with keratin, which provides a tough barrier. Non-keratinized epithelium retains nuclei in surface cells and remains moist. Other options describe unrelated features.
Which cell type is characterized by a pale-staining mucin-filled cytoplasm and is found within respiratory epithelium?
Langerhans cell
Goblet cell
Merkel cell
Chief cell
Goblet cells are unicellular mucus-secreting glands with pale-staining, mucin-filled cytoplasm and basal nuclei, interspersed among respiratory epithelial cells. They lubricate and trap particles in the airway. Merkel and Langerhans are dendritic cells, and chief cells are in the stomach.
What ultrastructural core supports microvilli, distinguishing them from cilia?
Actin filaments
Collagen fibrils
Microtubules arranged 9 + 2
Intermediate filaments
Microvilli are supported by bundles of actin filaments that anchor into the terminal web, enhancing absorptive surface area. Cilia have a 9 + 2 microtubule arrangement for motility. Intermediate filaments and collagen fibrils serve other structural roles.
Which layer of the basement membrane is rich in type IV collagen and appears electron-dense?
Reticular lamina
Lamina lucida
Endothelial layer
Lamina densa
The lamina densa is the dense layer of the basement membrane, mainly composed of type IV collagen and associated glycoproteins. It provides structural support and filtration properties. The lamina lucida is less dense, and the reticular lamina is beneath and contains type III collagen.
Which statement best describes pseudostratified epithelium?
It has identical cell height throughout
Cells are arranged in multiple true layers
It always contains keratinized superficial cells
All cells contact the basement membrane, but not all reach the surface
Pseudostratified epithelium appears multilayered because nuclei lie at different levels, but every cell contacts the basement membrane. Only some cells reach the lumenal surface. True multilayered epithelia have cells stacked directly upon each other.
Which epithelium lines portions of the male urethra and consists of multiple layers with columnar surface cells?
Stratified columnar epithelium
Simple columnar epithelium
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Transitional epithelium
Stratified columnar epithelium lines parts of the male urethra and large ducts, with several layers of cells and taller cells at the surface. Pseudostratified also has multiple nuclear tiers but all cells contact the basement membrane. Transitional is found in the bladder.
What ultrastructural feature is characteristic of the superficial cells in transitional epithelium?
Abundant cilia with dynein arms
Keratinized anucleate cells
Fusiform (discoidal) vesicles and apical membrane plaques
Microvilli with a 9 + 2 microtubule core
Superficial umbrella cells in transitional epithelium contain fusiform (discoidal) vesicles that fuse to increase surface area and rigid apical membrane plaques. This allows the tissue to stretch while maintaining a barrier. Cilia and keratin are not features of urothelium.
Which cytoskeletal element predominates in stereocilia of the epididymis?
Actin filaments
Microtubules
Collagen fibers
Keratin intermediate filaments
Stereocilia are long, nonmotile apical projections rich in bundled actin filaments, similar to microvilli but much longer. They aid in absorption and fluid movement in the epididymis. Cilia contain microtubules; keratin and collagen are structural proteins but not components of stereocilia cores.
Which histochemical stain is most effective for highlighting basement membrane glycoproteins and carbohydrates?
Silver stain
Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
Periodic acid - Schiff (PAS)
Masson's trichrome
The PAS stain oxidizes carbohydrates to aldehydes that react with Schiff reagent, producing a magenta color that highlights basement membranes and glycoprotein-rich structures. H&E shows general morphology, Masson's trichrome highlights collagen, and silver stains reticular fibers.
What distinguishes mesothelium from vascular endothelium?
Mesothelium is stratified; endothelium is simple
Mesothelium lines body cavities; endothelium lines blood vessels
Mesothelium has cilia; endothelium has microvilli
Mesothelium is keratinized; endothelium is not
Mesothelium is a simple squamous epithelium lining body cavities (pleura, peritoneum), while endothelium lines the interior surface of blood and lymphatic vessels. Both are simple squamous but differ by location and associated basement membranes.
What is the primary function of ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium in the nasal cavity?
Absorb nutrients
Provide a barrier against dehydration
Move mucus and trapped particles toward the pharynx
Secrete digestive enzymes
Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium in the nasal cavity works with goblet cells to trap inhaled particles in mucus and move them toward the pharynx by coordinated ciliary beating (mucociliary clearance). It does not absorb nutrients or secrete digestive enzymes.
How does parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium differ from orthokeratinized type?
Basal cells flatten
Superficial cells are anucleate
Cells have abundant cilia
Superficial cells retain pyknotic nuclei
In parakeratinized epithelium, the superficial layer retains pyknotic (condensed) nuclei within keratinized cells, as seen in some oral mucosa. Orthokeratinized tissue has anucleate, fully keratinized cells at the surface. Cilia and basal cell shape changes are not part of this distinction.
Which protein family forms the backbone of tight junction strands?
Keratin
Collagen IV
Claudins
Cadherins
Claudins are integral membrane proteins that polymerize to form tight junction strands, regulating paracellular permeability. Occludin is another component. Cadherins mediate adherens junctions, keratin forms intermediate filaments, and collagen IV is in basement membranes.
Which intercellular junction is anchored to intermediate filaments and provides strong cell-to-cell adhesion?
Tight junction
Gap junction
Desmosome
Hemidesmosome
Desmosomes connect intermediate filaments of adjacent cells via plaque proteins and cadherins, providing strong mechanical adhesion in tissues subject to stress. Tight junctions seal cells, gap junctions permit ion flow, and hemidesmosomes anchor cells to the basement membrane.
Which combination of ultrastructural features in a kidney epithelial cell indicates a high rate of active transport?
Dense layers of glycoprotein on the apical surface
Prominent apical microvilli with extensive basal infoldings packed with mitochondria
Thick keratinized surface layer
Numerous cilia with dynein arms
Highly active transport epithelia, like proximal tubule cells, exhibit a brush border of apical microvilli to increase surface area and extensive basal infoldings housing abundant mitochondria to supply ATP. Cilia are motile, keratinization is for protection, and glycoprotein layers are for lubrication, not active transport.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify epithelial tissue types -

    Recognize and name simple squamous, cuboidal, columnar, pseudostratified, and stratified epithelial tissues in realistic histology practical practice scenarios.

  2. Differentiate key morphological characteristics -

    Distinguish epithelial tissue types based on cell shape, layering, and surface specializations to strengthen your histology practice practical skills.

  3. Apply diagnostic criteria in lab scenarios -

    Use established histological criteria to correctly identify epithelial tissues in the scored quiz, simulating a PAL histology epithelial tissue lab practical environment.

  4. Interpret instant feedback for targeted review -

    Analyze quiz results to pinpoint areas for improvement and reinforce your understanding of epithelial tissue lab practical concepts.

  5. Integrate knowledge with realistic PAL questions -

    Engage with PAL histology epithelial tissue lab practical question - style prompts to consolidate theoretical knowledge and hands-on identification skills.

  6. Build confidence for practical exams -

    Translate your quiz performance into exam readiness, boosting confidence for your next epithelial tissue lab practical challenge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Classification by Layers and Shapes -

    As detailed by the University of Michigan Histology Lab, epithelia are first categorized by layering - simple (one layer), stratified (multiple layers), and pseudostratified (false layering) - then by cell shape: squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-like), and columnar (tall). A mnemonic like "Silly Penguins Sing, Some Cats Crawl" can help you recall layers and shapes in seconds. This hierarchy is fundamental for success in histology practical practice and underpins pal histology epithelial tissue lab practical question 1 scenarios.

  2. Key Functions and Locations -

    According to Guyton & Hall Physiology and Johns Hopkins Histology resources, simple squamous epithelium in alveoli (air sacs) optimizes gas diffusion, while simple cuboidal in kidney tubules handles reabsorption and secretion. Stratified squamous in the skin's epidermis protects against abrasion, and simple columnar with microvilli in the intestine enhances nutrient absorption. Linking each tissue type to its function-location pair makes your review for epithelial tissue lab practical more intuitive.

  3. Microscopic Identification Tips -

    Drawn from the University of Leicester Histology website, look for nuclear position - centrally located in cuboidal vs basal in columnar cells - and apical specializations like microvilli (brush border) in intestinal epithelium or cilia in respiratory mucosa. Remember "Brush Border = Bright Bumps" under light microscopy to spot microvilli, and watch for goblet cell halos in pseudostratified epithelia. These visual cues are critical during any histology practice practical or pal histology epithelial tissue lab practical question 8.

  4. Specialized Types: Pseudostratified & Transitional -

    The University of Heidelberg's histology atlas shows pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium lining the trachea with all cells touching the basement membrane and notable goblet cells for mucus secretion. Transitional epithelium in the urinary bladder switches from cuboidal to squamous when stretched, earning the nickname "umbrella cells" for their domed apical surface. Recognizing these dynamic features is a frequent focus in epithelial tissue lab practicals and boosts confidence on pal histology epithelial tissue lab practical question 8.

  5. Effective Study Strategies and Resources -

    Leverage flashcards and diagram labeling from the University of Texas Health Science Center's interactive modules to reinforce epithelial morphology, and quiz yourself with online histology practice practical quizzes that mirror histology practical practice scenarios. Group study sessions can simulate PAL histology epithelial tissue lab practical walkthroughs, and timed mock practicals help you manage time under pressure. Combining active recall with spaced repetition ensures you'll ace epithelial tissue lab practicals with confidence.

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