Which epithelium is best described as a single layer of cells, often columnar in shape, lining the stomach?

• A. Columnar epithelium
• B. Simple cuboidal epithelium
• C. Stratified squamous epithelium
• D. Ciliated epithelium

Answer: (A)

Epithelium is described by how many cell layers it has and the shape of the cells. The stomach lining is a single layer of tall, column-shaped cells, so it is simple columnar epithelium. This arrangement supports secretion of mucus to protect the stomach wall in a harsh acidic environment. The other options don’t fit: a single layer of cube-shaped cells would be simple cuboidal and is typical of glandular or kidney-tubule lining; multiple layers of flat cells describe stratified squamous, which protects against abrasion; and ciliated epithelium has cilia and is common in airways, not the stomach.