A stratified epithelium rarely occurs as squamous or cuboidal.

The term pseudostratified is derived from the appearance of this epithelium in the section which conveys the erroneous (pseudo means almost or approaching) impression that there is more than one layer of cells, when in fact this is a true simple epithelium since all the cells rest on the basement membrane.

The nuclei of these cells, however, are disposed at different levels, thus creating the illusion of cellular stratification.

Pseudostratified epithelia function in secretion or absorption.

Ciliated epithelia are more common and lines the trachea, bronchi.