Which epithelial type is characterized by tall, cylindrical cells with the height greater than the width?

• A. Simple squamous
• B. Cuboidal
• C. Columnar
• D. Pseudostratified epithelium

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how the shape of epithelial cells defines its name. Columnar epithelia are built from tall, column-like cells in which the height clearly exceeds the width. This tall, cylindrical shape means the nucleus is typically elongated and sits toward the base of the cell, emphasizing the upright, columnar profile.

This description fits columnar epithelium best because it contrasts with other shapes: simple squamous are flat and very thin, cuboidal cells are roughly as tall as they are wide, and pseudostratified epithelium may look stratified but all cells touch the basement membrane and the height-to-width ratio isn’t defined as tall columnar cells.