Anatomy Practice Exam

Which type of body tissue functions to cover surfaces both inside and outside the body?

1. Connective tissue

2. Nervous tissue

3. Epithelial tissue

4. Muscle tissue

The correct answer is: Epithelial tissue

Epithelial tissue is essential in covering surfaces inside and outside the body. This tissue acts as a protective barrier and is involved in various functions such as absorption, secretion, and sensation. The characteristics of epithelial tissue include closely packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix, which allows it to form sheets that line surfaces, cavities, and organs. For instance, the skin is composed of outer layers of epithelial cells that protect against environmental hazards, while the lining of the gastrointestinal tract consists of epithelial cells that facilitate absorption and secretion of nutrients. Epithelial tissue is categorized into different types based on cell shape and the number of layers, such as simple squamous, cuboidal, or stratified. In contrast, connective tissue primarily supports and binds other tissues, nervous tissue transmits impulses and facilitates communication in the body, and muscle tissue is responsible for movement. Each of these tissue types serves distinct functions that do not include covering surfaces in the manner that epithelial tissue does.