A 35-year-old woman with a gynecologic biopsy: Which genital structure is correctly matched with its epithelial lining?

• A. Cervix - transitional
• B. Fallopian tubes - squamous
• C. Ovary - simple cuboidal
• D. Vagina - simple columnar

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the lining of each genital structure matches its functional needs and location. The ovary is covered by a single layer of cuboidal cells—the ovarian surface epithelium. This simple cuboidal arrangement fits a protective outer lining that isn’t designed for heavy wear or secretion, which is why it’s the correct pairing here. In contrast, the cervix has two different epithelial zones (stratified squamous on the part facing the vagina and simple columnar in the canal), the fallopian tubes are lined by ciliated simple columnar epithelium, and the vagina is lined by nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium. So the ovary with simple cuboidal lining is the correct match.