Which tissue type covers body surfaces and lines cavities?

Epithelial tissue is the type that covers body surfaces and lines cavities. This tissue serves several vital functions, including providing a protective barrier, facilitating absorption and secretion, and allowing for sensory perception. It is characterized by closely packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix, which helps create effective barriers between environments.

Epithelial tissue can be found lining organs within the body, such as the digestive tract, respiratory passages, and the surfaces of the skin. Its structure and characteristics can vary significantly, which allows it to perform specialized roles in different areas, such as squamous cells in areas of diffusion or cuboidal cells in glands.

In contrast, connective tissue primarily provides support and attaches different structures in the body, while nervous tissue is involved in communication and control through nerve signals. Muscle tissue is responsible for movement and contraction. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the diverse functions of different tissue types in the body.