You observe a tissue that has cells of varying heights. At first glance, it appears that the tissue has multiple cell layers, bu
t upon closer investigation, you see that all of the cells attach to the same basement membrane. What classification would you give to this epithelial tissue?
Pseudostratified columnar epithelium coats the surface of the nasal cavity, trachea and bronchi. This denomination is because these cells, even structured in one layer only, appear to have more layers due to the location of their nuclei. Like the simple epithelium, all its cells are in contact with the basement membrane, so the term "pseudo" (false). When the pseudostratified columnar epithelium is observed, it is possible to have the impression that this tissue has several cell layers, but upon further investigation you will find that all cells attach to the same basement membrane.
