Which tissue is multi-layered and lacks a basement membrane, designed for protection?

• A. Compound epithelium
• B. Simple cuboidal epithelium
• C. Columnar epithelium
• D. Ciliated epithelium

Answer: (A)

Protection comes from having more than one cell layer. A compound (stratified) epithelium is built of several cell layers, which creates a strong barrier that can withstand wear and tear at the surface while keeping inner layers functional. That layering is what makes it the best match for tissue designed to protect.

The other descriptions refer to single-layer epithelia or specialized forms. Simple cuboidal and simple columnar epithelia consist of one cell layer and are mainly involved in absorption and secretion, not primarily in protection. Ciliated epithelium focuses on movement of mucus or particles across the surface, not on providing a thick protective barrier.