A student examines a section of the parietal pleura and identifies a single layer of flattened cells resting on a basement membrane. Which term correctly describes this epithelium?
- A Endothelium
- B Mesenchymal epithelium
- C Mesothelium ✓
- D Transitional epithelium
Correct answer: C. Mesothelium
Explanation
The pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities are lined by simple squamous epithelium derived from mesoderm, called mesothelium. Endothelium is the same type of epithelium but specifically lines the heart chambers and blood vessels, so option A describes the wrong site. Mesenchymal epithelium is not a standard classification, and transitional epithelium is stratified and restricted to the urinary tract.
Reference: Junqueira's Basic Histology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.