ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Simple squamous epithelia are found lining the cavities of the body including the pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal cavities, or in areas where passive diffusion occurs, such as glomeruli in the kidney and alveoli in the respiratory tract.

Detailed explanation-2: -Explanation: Alveoli are the site of gas exchange in the lungs. Because rapid diffusion of gases is necessary between the capillaries and the alveoli, a very thin epithelial layer is needed. As a result, alveoli use simple squamous epithelium so that gases can easily diffuses to and from the bloodstream.

Detailed explanation-3: -Simple squamous epithelial cells function as mediators of filtration and diffusion. Due to their simple and thin construct, they allow for easy transmembrane movement (i.e. across the membrane, and through the cell) of small molecules.

Detailed explanation-4: -The respiratory or gas-exchange surface consists of millions of small sacs, or alveoli, lined by a simple squamous epithelium. This epithelium is exceedingly thin to facilitate diffusion of oxygen and CO2. The alveolar walls also contain cuboidal surfactant-secreting cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -Endothelium = the simple squamous epithelium lining blood vessels.