Epithelial tissues have polarity, with an apical side that faces the environment and a basolateral side that faces the interior of the animal. Because of the harsh environmental exposure on the apical side, epithelial cells have a short life span of 2- 6 days. Which of the following is the most likely reason that the tissue as a whole does not wear away, despite the short life spans of the cells?
A) The epithelial tissue is unusually thick.
B) The tissue has cells that actively undergo mitosis and cytokinesis to replace the lost cells.
C) The degraded tissue is recycled and restored to its original site.
D) New cells are transported in the blood to the site where old cells have worn away.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue has a high rate of cell turnover due to the harsh environmental exposure on the apical side. However, the tissue as a whole does not wear away because the tissue has cells that actively undergo mitosis and cytokinesis to replace the lost cells. This process helps to maintain the integrity and function of the tissue.

Epithelial Tissues Have Polarity, with an Apical Side That Faces