Answer: Multiple cell layers offer greater mechanical protection against abrasion and wear.
- A Multiple layers allow faster diffusion of gases across the tissue
- B Multiple cell layers offer greater mechanical protection against abrasion and wear
- C A single cell layer would conduct electrical impulses more efficiently at these sites
- D A single layer would secrete more mucus than is needed at these locations
Correct answer: B. Multiple cell layers offer greater mechanical protection against abrasion and wear
Explanation: Compound (stratified) epithelium has several cell layers, providing strong mechanical protection at surfaces exposed to friction or wear, such as the skin and oesophageal lining, at some cost to its diffusion/secretion capacity.
The four basic animal tissue types and their core functions: epithelial (covering/lining), connective (support and transport), muscular (movement), and neural (signal conduction).
Concept context
The four basic animal tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscular, neural) and the cockroach as a model organism for organ-system level organisation.