Single layer of cube shaped cells attached to a basement membrane. Forms the lining of kidneys tubules as well as some glands, can secrete and absorb them.

• A. Cuboidal
• B. Simple epithelium
• C. Stratified squamous
• D. Columnar

Answer: (A)

Single layer of cube-shaped cells attached to a basement membrane describes simple cuboidal epithelium. The cube-like cells form a compact, uniform lining that is well suited for both secretion and absorption, which matches the kidney tubules where substances are reabsorbed from the filtrate and secreted as needed. Gland ducts also often use this same lining, supporting its secretory and absorptive roles. The other options don’t fit because stratified squamous has multiple layers of flat cells, and columnar is made of taller, column-like cells. Simple epithelium could describe various shapes, but the cube shape specifically identifies cuboidal.