Which tissue type covers body surfaces and protects organs?

• A. Epithelium
• B. Muscle
• C. Connective
• D. Nervous

Answer: (A)

Epithelial tissue forms protective coverings for surfaces and organs. It covers body surfaces, lines cavities and hollow organs, and forms glands. This makes it ideal for guarding underlying tissues from mechanical damage, dehydration, and invasion by microorganisms. Epithelial cells are tightly packed and sit on a basement membrane; they’re usually avascular, getting nutrients by diffusion from nearby tissues, and they have a high capacity to regenerate after injury. Other tissues do different jobs: muscle tissue contracts for movement, connective tissue provides support and connection, and nervous tissue transmits signals. So the tissue type that covers surfaces and protects organs is epithelial tissue.