Question

Epithelial tissue, in animals, occurs as a ------ covering.

Answer 1

1. Epithelial tissues are made up of tightly packed cells which lines the external surface of body, viscera and body cavity.
2. The cells are jointed to each other via cell junctions. They rests on a thin non cellular basement membrane.
3. There functions include:

1. Mechanical protection from injury, bacterial infection.
2. Absorption of water and digested food (intestinal epithelium).
3. Secretion of mucus, gastric juices etc.(glandular epithelium).
4. Elimination of nitrogenous waste and water.

Epithelial tissue, in animals, occurs as a protective covering.