What is the primary function of epithelial tissue?

The primary function of epithelial tissue is to cover body surfaces. Epithelial tissue acts as a protective barrier, lining the surfaces of organs and structures throughout the body, including the skin, lining of the mouth, and respiratory tract. This protective role is crucial for shielding underlying tissues from mechanical injury, pathogens, and harmful substances, as well as in regulating permeability to, for example, allow selective absorption and secretion.

While some other tissues in the body serve functions such as supporting and connecting (like connective tissue), facilitating gas exchange (like certain types of lung tissue), or enabling movement (like muscle tissue), these roles do not pertain to epithelial tissue. The specific role of epithelial tissue in covering surfaces distinguishes it within the context of the body’s various tissue types and functions.