Question

Which of the following is/are false about columnar epithelium?

I. It is made of tall and cylindrical cells.
II. Free surface may have microvilli.
III. They are found in stomach and intestine and help in secretion and absorption.
IV. Ciliated epithelium is mainly present in hollow structures like bronchioles and fallopian tube/oviducts.
V. They have apical nuclei.

• A. Only I
• B. Only V
• C. Only II and IV
• D. Only II and III

Answer 1

The correct option is B Only V

The columnar epithelium is composed of a single layer of tall and slender cells. Their nuclei are located at the base and not at the apex (no apical nuclei). Hence first statement is correct.
Free surface may have microvilli showing brush border appearance. Hence statement II is correct.
They are found in the lining of stomach and intestine and help in secretion and absorption. Statement IV is correct.
If the columnar or cuboidal cells bear cilia on their free surface they are called ciliated epithelium. Their function is to move particles or mucus in a specific direction over the epithelium. They are mainly present in the inner surface of hollow organs like bronchioles and fallopian tubes. This statement is for not only for columnar epithelium but all other ciliated epithelium as well.