What is epithelial tissue and what are its functions?
Understand the Problem
The question appears to be focused on understanding tissues in biology, particularly epithelial tissue, its characteristics, and functions.
Answer
Epithelial tissue is tightly packed cells performing absorption, protection, secretion, and sensation.
Epithelial tissue is a group of tightly packed cells connected by junctions that provide protection, cover exposed surfaces, and line internal passageways. It performs functions such as absorption, protection, secretion, and sensation.
Answer for screen readers
Epithelial tissue is a group of tightly packed cells connected by junctions that provide protection, cover exposed surfaces, and line internal passageways. It performs functions such as absorption, protection, secretion, and sensation.
More Information
Epithelial tissue, or epithelium, forms the outer layer of skin and lines organs and cavities within the body. It acts as a barrier to protect against physical damage, pathogens, and toxins. Epithelial cells also play roles in absorption (e.g., in the intestines), secretion (e.g., of mucus), and sensation (e.g., in sensory organs). Different types of junctions (tight, gap, desmosome) between cells help to maintain the integrity and function of the epithelial tissue.
Sources
- Epithelium: What It Is, Function & Types - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
- Epithelial Tissue - SEER Training - training.seer.cancer.gov
- Epithelial Tissue: What Is It, Where It's Found, and More | Osmosis - osmosis.org
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