Among the options provided, the correct statement is:
c) Stratified epithelia are present where protection from abrasion is important.
Explanation:
Stratified epithelia consist of multiple layers of cells, which makes them well-suited for areas in the body that experience significant wear and tear, such as the skin or the lining of the mouth. These additional layers provide a protective barrier against mechanical stress. In contrast, simple epithelia, which consist of a single layer of cells, are more delicate and typically found in areas where absorption and filtration occur, but they are not designed to withstand abrasion.
Option a is incorrect because simple epithelia do not necessarily form impermeable barriers; they can be quite permeable depending on their specific type and location. Option b is wrong as well; stratified epithelia do not consist of tall narrow cells but rather can have varying cell shapes and sizes across different layers. Finally, option d is incomplete as it does not provide a coherent statement. Therefore, option c is the only correct choice.