Answer :
A single layer of flattened cells. The epithelium is one of the four basic tissues and has many important functions.
These functions are given by the specific characteristic of the epithelium considering its location. For example, an epithelium that specializes in protection (for example, the one found in skin) has lots of layers in order to carry this task.
Epithelium that specializes in the passive diffusion of materials from one fluid to another needs to have a single layer of flattened cells: this way, the fluids can diffuse easily than if the epithelium had many layers or cubical cells.
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Final answer:
An epithelium specialized for passive diffusion is typically composed of a simple squamous epithelium, which is a layer of flat cells that facilitates efficient material transfer due to its minimal diffusion barrier and increased surface area compared to thicker cells like cuboidal cells.
Explanation:
In epithelia specialized for passive diffusion, you would expect the epithelium to be a simple squamous epithelium which consists of a single layer of flat cells. This structure is advantageous because a single layer of flat cells provides a minimal barrier to diffusion, facilitating the efficient movement of materials.
Cuboidal cells, being cube-shaped and typically thicker, would not be as efficient because the increased thickness provides more resistance to substances passing through by diffusion. Another relevant aspect of epithelial tissues is that they are avascular, meaning they don't have blood vessels penetrating them.
Instead, nutrients and oxygen must diffuse from underlying tissues or the surface, which is easier through a thin, single layer of cells. The maximized surface area of flat cells compared to cuboidal cells also enhances this process, making the simple squamous epithelium highly efficient for filtration and the exchange of gases in places like the alveoli in the lungs or the lining of blood vessels.
