What is a function of epithelial tissue?

What is a function of epithelial tissue?

• A. Movement
• B. Communication through impulses
• C. Absorption and secretion
• D. Connection and support

Answer: (C)

Epithelial tissue serves a vital role in various physiological processes, and one of its primary functions is absorption and secretion. This type of tissue lines the surfaces and cavities of organs and structures throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and glands. Epithelial cells are specifically adapted to facilitate the intake of nutrients and the release of substances necessary for bodily functions. For example, in the intestines, epithelial cells absorb nutrients from digested food, while in glands, they function to produce and release hormones and enzymes. The design and arrangement of epithelial tissue help optimize these functions, allowing efficient transport of materials. While movement, communication, and structural support are essential functions in other types of tissues—such as muscle tissue for movement, nervous tissue for communication through nerve impulses, and connective tissue for support—these functions are not characteristic of epithelial tissue. Therefore, the primary focus of epithelial tissue is indeed on absorption and secretion.

Epithelial tissue serves a vital role in various physiological processes, and one of its primary functions is absorption and secretion. This type of tissue lines the surfaces and cavities of organs and structures throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and glands.

Epithelial cells are specifically adapted to facilitate the intake of nutrients and the release of substances necessary for bodily functions. For example, in the intestines, epithelial cells absorb nutrients from digested food, while in glands, they function to produce and release hormones and enzymes. The design and arrangement of epithelial tissue help optimize these functions, allowing efficient transport of materials.

While movement, communication, and structural support are essential functions in other types of tissues—such as muscle tissue for movement, nervous tissue for communication through nerve impulses, and connective tissue for support—these functions are not characteristic of epithelial tissue. Therefore, the primary focus of epithelial tissue is indeed on absorption and secretion.