AP Biology : Types of Cells and Tissues

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following best describes the specialized role of squamous cells, as compared to other epithelial cell morphologies?

Possible Answers:

Secretion and absorption

Sensory reception

Line surfaces for simple diffusion

Mucus secretion

Correct answer:

Line surfaces for simple diffusion

Explanation:

Squamous cells are flat and wide. Both stratified and simple squamous epithelia will form smooth and flat surfaces that are specialized for the simple diffusion across the layer. Squamous cells are found in lung epithelia, the lining of blood vessels, and in the lining of body cavities.

Example Question #12 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following is not true regarding the morphology of epithelial cuboidal cells?

Possible Answers:

Nuclei are round

They are cube-shaped

Nuclei are elongated

The height and width are equal

Correct answer:

Nuclei are elongated

Explanation:

Cuboidal epithelial cells are one category of epithelial cell types. These cells have equal height and width; therefore, they are cube-shaped. They possess round nuclei and are typically involved in secretion and absorption. Cuboidal epithelial cells are located in the exocrine system.

Example Question #13 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following is true regarding the morphology of epithelial columnar cells?

Possible Answers:

Nuclei are elongated

Height is greater than the width

All of these

They are pillar-like

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Epithelial columnar cells represent one type of epithelial cell morphology. Columnar cells are taller than they are wide, have elongated nuclei, and are pillar-like. Epithelial columnar cells play a role in the digestive system and are important in sensory reception.

Example Question #14 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following best describes where epithelial columnar cells are not found in the human body?

Possible Answers:

Lining of the intestine

Lining of blood vessels

Tongue

Ear

Correct answer:

Lining of blood vessels

Explanation:

Epithelial columnar cells secrete digestive enzymes and absorb food in the digestive system and they also play a role in sensory reception. Epithelial columnar cells can be found in the tongue, ear, and the lining of the intestine.

Example Question #14 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following is true regarding the transitional epithelial cells?

Possible Answers:

They are located in between layers of stratified epithelium

They are the same as pseudostratified epithelial cells

They can transition among morphologies due to degree of tension

They merge into the basement membrane

Correct answer:

They can transition among morphologies due to degree of tension

Explanation:

Transitional epithelial cells are able to expand and contract based on the degree of tension. This transition to a different morphology depends on the cell layer in which the transitional cells are located.

Example Question #15 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following best describes pseudostratified epithelial cells?

Possible Answers:

They may change morphology based on tension

They are layers of squamous cells

They can be easily confused with stratified epithelia

Nuclei may be at different heights

Correct answer:

Nuclei may be at different heights

Explanation:

Pseudostratified epithelial cells are single layers of cells—simple epithelium—that may be easily confused as a stratified epithelium. This confusion arises from the cross section, which shows nuclei located at different heights. As a result, it appears as if pseudostratified epithelial cells are multiple cell layers.

Example Question #16 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following is true regarding simple epithelia?

Possible Answers:

Not all cells have contact with the basement membrane

Only cuboidal cells can be present in simple epithelia

Simple epithelia are only one cell layer thick

Simple epithelia change morphology based on tension

Correct answer:

Simple epithelia are only one cell layer thick

Explanation:

Simple epithelia are epithelial tissue that is only one cell layer thick; therefore, each cell has direct contact with the basement membrane. All epithelial cell morphologies can be found in simple epithelia.

Example Question #17 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following is true regarding the structure of stratified epithelia?

Possible Answers:

It is a layer of cells made of epithelial cells of multiple morphologies

Stratified epithelia are layers of cuboidal cells

It is composed of two or more layers of epithelial cells

It is a single layer of epithelial cells

Correct answer:

It is composed of two or more layers of epithelial cells

Explanation:

Stratified epithelia consist of two or more layers of epithelial cells. They plan an important role in protection from chemical and mechanical forces. Stratified epithelia are specialized into keratinized and transitional layers.

Example Question #11 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following best describes the main functions of simple epithelium?

Possible Answers:

Absorption and filtration

Protection from mechanical forces

Protection from chemical forces

None of these

Correct answer:

Absorption and filtration

Explanation:

Simple epithelia are layers of epithelial cells that are one cell thick. Simple epithelia are only composed of a monolayer of cells; therefore, their main functions are absorption and filtration.

Example Question #18 : Types Of Cells And Tissues

Which of the following best describes the order of the tissues associated with the basement membrane?

Possible Answers:

Basement membrane, connective tissue, outer tissue

Basement membrane, outer tissue, connective tissue

Basement membrane, outer tissue, bone

Outer tissue, basement membrane, connective tissue

Correct answer:

Outer tissue, basement membrane, connective tissue

Explanation:

The basement membrane is a matrix of cells that separates the outer tissue from the connective tissue. It functions as a barrier to prevent deep penetration and also anchors down the outer tissues (e.g. the epithelium).

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