Question

1. Discuss structure and function: why do the Kidney tubules contain cuboidal epithelial tissue?

2. Discuss structure and function: why do the Kidney tubules contain stratified squamous epithelial tissue?

3. Discuss structure and function: why do the lung alveoli contain simple squamous epithelium?

4. Discuss structure and function: why does the small intestine contain ciliated simple columnar epithelium?

Answer 1

1. Cubiodal epithelial cells are the rows of cube like cells which lines major part of kidney tubules. These type of epithelium promote secretion and absorption of various molecules across the membrane and thus help in functioning of kidney's absorption and elimination of various molecules.

2. Stratified squamous epithelium is a type of epithelium in which flat squamous cells are arranged in various layer. These are present in kidney tubules because Bowmans membrane and tubules are subjected to high force and pressure due to flowing blood and filtrate. This cause wear and tear in epithelium. These multiple layers of cells provide protection against these forces.

3. Simple squamous epithelium has a single layer of flat cells. These are present in lungs to provide easy diffusion of gases across lungs membrane. Single layer of cells does not provide much resistance to diffusion.

4. The main function of cilia is to provide continuous movement of molecules. That's why they are present in epithelium of intestine to promote movement of food forward. Columnar cells helps in absorption of molecules from intestinal lumen.