Which epithelium best describes the iris posterior epithelium due to melanin content?

• A. Pigmented epithelium
• B. Non-pigmented epithelium
• C. Simple columnar epithelium
• D. Stratified squamous epithelium

Answer: (A)

Melanin content defines this tissue as pigmented epithelium. The iris posterior surface is a single layer of pigmented epithelial cells, continuous with the retinal pigment epithelium, and loaded with melanin granules. This pigmentation gives the posterior iris its dark color and helps absorb stray light. That makes pigmented epithelium the most accurate description here, whereas non-pigmented epithelium would lack melanin, and purely describing cell shape would miss the key pigment feature.