Animal Tissues is one of 9 topics in the Grade 10 Life Sciences CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. Epithelial tissue is characterised by:
Tightly packed cells forming continuous sheets, with very little material between them
Widely spaced cells embedded in a large amount of matrix
Cells specialised only for contraction
Cells specialised only for transmitting electrical impulses
Answer: Tightly packed cells forming continuous sheets, with very little material between them — Epithelial tissue consists of tightly packed cells forming continuous sheets, distinguishing it from connective tissue, which has widely spaced cells in a substantial matrix.
Easy
2. Which shape of epithelial cell is flat and thin, well suited to areas requiring rapid diffusion, such as blood vessel linings?
Squamous
Cuboidal
Columnar
Spindle-shaped
Answer: Squamous — Squamous epithelium consists of flat, thin cells, an ideal shape for locations such as blood vessel linings and lung air sacs, where rapid diffusion of substances is required.
Medium
3. What is the functional advantage of stratified (multi-layered) epithelium compared to simple (single-layered) epithelium?
Greater protection against abrasion and mechanical damage in areas subject to more physical stress
Faster diffusion of substances across the tissue
Greater ability to contract and generate movement
Ability to transmit electrical nerve impulses
Answer: Greater protection against abrasion and mechanical damage in areas subject to more physical stress — Stratified epithelium, with multiple stacked cell layers, provides stronger protection against abrasion and damage, which is why it is found in areas of higher mechanical stress, such as the outer skin.
