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what are the 5 functions of epithelia in the animal body
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Answer:
Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective absorption, protection, transcellular transport, and sensing. Epithelial layers contain no blood vessels, so they must receive nourishment via diffusion of substances from the underlying connective tissue, through the basement membrane.
Explanation:
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Epithelial Tissue: Function and Cell Types
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SEM capture of ciliated epithelial cells
Steve Gschmeissner / Getty Images
Table of Contents
by
Regina Bailey
Updated January 03, 2019
The word tissue is derived from a Latin word meaning to weave. Cells that make up tissues are sometimes 'woven' together with extracellular fibers. Likewise, a tissue can sometimes be held together by a sticky substance that coats its cells. There are four main categories of tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous. Let's take a look at epithelial tissue.
Epithelial Tissue Function
Epithelial tissue covers the outside of the body and lines organs, vessels (blood and lymph), and cavities. Epithelial cells form the thin layer of cells known as the endothelium, which is contiguous with the inner tissue lining of organs such as the brain, lungs, skin, and heart. The free surface of epithelial tissue is usually exposed to fluid or the air, while the bottom surface is attached to a basement membrane.
The cells in epithelial tissue are very closely packed together and joined with little space between them. With its tightly packed structure, we would expect epithelial tissue to serve some type of barrier and protective function and that is certainly the case. For example, the skin is composed of a layer of epithelial tissue (epidermis) that is supported by a layer of connective tissue. It protects the internal structures of the body from damage and dehydration.