- A Simple epithelium has multiple stacked layers while compound epithelium has mainly one, reflecting its role in mechanical protection
- B Simple epithelium has a single cell layer suited to exchange/secretion; compound has multiple layers suited to protection
- C Compound epithelium bears cilia on every surface while simple epithelium rarely bears cilia, even in respiratory tract
- D Simple epithelium occurs mainly in plant vascular tissue and is largely absent from all animal organ systems
Correct answer: B. Simple epithelium has a single cell layer suited to exchange/secretion; compound has multiple layers suited to protection
Explanation: Simple epithelium is a single layer of cells, located where absorption, secretion, or filtration occurs. Compound epithelium has multiple layers and serves a mainly protective role, e.g. the skin epidermis.
Concept context
The four basic animal tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscular, neural) and the cockroach as a model organism for organ-system level organisation.