Pseudostratified Epithelium MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers

Structure:

• The cells are columnar and unequal in size. Cells can be longer or shorter.
• The long cells extend up to free surface while the short cells do not reach the outer free surface. 
• Long cells have oval nuclei while short cells have rounded nuclei. 
• Goblet cells are also present in this epithelium. 
• The pseudostratified epithelium is so named because despite being one cell thick, it appears to be multi-layered due to the alignment of nuclei at different levels. 

It can be of two types: 
(a). Pseudostratified columnar epithelium- It is made up of columnar cells. 
(b). Pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium- It is made up of columnar cells in which the longer ones possess cilia while the shorter ones do not. 

Location 

• The pseudostratified columnar epithelium is found to be present in the large ducts of the parotid salivary gland, urethra of the human male and olfactory nerves.
• Pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium is found in the trachea and large bronchi

Functions:

• The functions of pseudostratified epithelium include protection, secretion, movement of secretions from glands, urine and semen in male urethra and mucus loaded with dust particles and bacteria from the trachea towards the larynx.