Epithelial tissue:
Structure: The cells of epithelium are compactly placed, tightly held together and form a continuous sheet. Epithelial cells are supported below on a basement membrane. These cells may be of different shapes and sizes.
Types:
There are two main types of epithelial tissues which are:
(a) Simple and
(b) Compound
Functions:
(i) It forms a protective layer over the body and protects the underlying cells from drying up, injury, germs and harmful chemicals.
(ii) It absorbs water and other nutrients inside the body.
(iii) Some of these cells secrete ear wax, mucus, milk and digestive juices.