The alveoli are lined with simple squamous epithelium, allowing for efficient gas exchange due to its thin structure.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: Which type of epithelium lines the alveoli?
Solution: The alveoli are lined with simple squamous epithelium, allowing for efficient gas exchange due to its thin structure.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Understand what alveoli are. Alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
Step 2: Learn about the types of epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue comes in different types, including simple squamous, cuboidal, and columnar.
Step 3: Identify the function of the epithelium in the alveoli. The epithelium needs to be thin to allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through easily.
Step 4: Recognize that simple squamous epithelium is the thinnest type of epithelium, consisting of a single layer of flat cells.
Step 5: Conclude that the alveoli are lined with simple squamous epithelium because it allows for efficient gas exchange.