Which of the following is a recognized epithelial cell shape?

• A. All of the above
• B. Squamous
• C. Columnar
• D. Cuboidal

Answer: (A)

Epithelial tissues are categorized by cell shape into squamous, cuboidal, and columnar. Each is a recognized epithelial form. Squamous cells are flat and thin, ideal for covering surfaces and allowing rapid diffusion. Cuboidal cells are roughly cube-shaped with a central nucleus, common in glands, ducts, and kidney tubules where secretion and absorption occur. Columnar cells are taller than they are wide, with nuclei near the base, often lining absorptive or secretory surfaces such as the digestive tract or respiratory tract (frequently with microvilli or cilia to aid function). Because all three shapes are standard categories used to describe epithelial cells, the option that includes all of them correctly reflects the recognized shapes.