The cornea is lined by which type of epithelium?

Prepare for the NBEO Histology Exam with comprehensive quizzes and practice questions. Study with flashcards and detailed explanations to ensure you're ready for the test day. Improve your histology knowledge efficiently!

Multiple Choice

The cornea is lined by which type of epithelium?

Explanation:
The cornea must stay transparent and moist, so its surface epithelium is organized as stratified squamous but without keratinization. This arrangement provides protection from abrasion while preserving clarity, since keratinized surfaces scatter light and reduce transparency. The other options don’t fit: simple columnar is a single-layer tall cell type seen in digestive tract linings, pseudostratified ciliated lines some airways, and stratified squamous keratinized is the skin’s epidermis, which would compromise corneal transparency.

The cornea must stay transparent and moist, so its surface epithelium is organized as stratified squamous but without keratinization. This arrangement provides protection from abrasion while preserving clarity, since keratinized surfaces scatter light and reduce transparency. The other options don’t fit: simple columnar is a single-layer tall cell type seen in digestive tract linings, pseudostratified ciliated lines some airways, and stratified squamous keratinized is the skin’s epidermis, which would compromise corneal transparency.

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