Histology: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · Histology

Sample item

Which epithelium lines the alveoli to allow rapid gas exchange?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Simple squamous epithelium

Type I pneumocytes form a thin simple squamous lining of alveoli, minimizing diffusion distance for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Option by option

  • A. Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium

    Keratinized stratified epithelium protects skin from abrasion.

  • B. Transitional epithelium

    Transitional epithelium lines distensible urinary tract.

  • C. Simple squamous epithelium (correct)

    Correct: simple squamous cells form a very thin diffusion barrier.

  • D. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium

    Pseudostratified ciliated epithelium lines much conducting airway.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is C, Simple squamous epithelium. Type I pneumocytes form a thin simple squamous lining of alveoli, minimizing diffusion distance for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Why is "Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium" not the answer?

Keratinized stratified epithelium protects skin from abrasion.

Why is "Transitional epithelium" not the answer?

Transitional epithelium lines distensible urinary tract.

Why is "Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium" not the answer?

Pseudostratified ciliated epithelium lines much conducting airway.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Histology in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: simple squamous cells form a very thin diffusion barrier.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Histology?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.