Given below are two statements. One is labeled as Assertion(A) and the other is labeled as reasoning(R).

Assertion (A): Compound epithelium has a limited role in secretion and absorption.

Reason (R): Compound epithelium is multi-layered and thick.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Compound epithelium refers to a type of epithelial tissue that consists of multiple layers of cells. These layers provide protection against mechanical and chemical stresses but have a limited role in secretion and absorption compared to simple epithelium, which typically consists of a single layer of cells specialised for these functions.

The reasoning provided (R) explains why compound epithelium has a limited role in secretion and absorption. Because it is multi-layered, with multiple layers of cells stacked on top of each other, the cells further away from the surface have limited access to the external environment and thus are less suited for secretion and absorption compared to the single-layered simple epithelium.