State the unique characteristics of epithelial tissue.

Characteristics of epithelium tissue

1.Polarity- Epithelium is arranged so there is one free surface (apical surface) and one attached surface (basal surface)

2.Cellular nature– Cells in epithelium fit closely together side by side and sometimes atop each other to form sheets of cells. These sheets are held together by specialized junctions.

3.Supported by connective tissue– Attachment to a layer of connective tissue at the basal surface forms a layer called the basement membrane, an adhesive layer formed by secretions from the epithelial cells and the connective tissue cells.

4.Avascular– Epithelium typically lacks its own blood supply.

5.Regeneration– Epithelium cells can regenerate if proper nourished.

6.Absence of nerves (except for a few axons in the deeper layers)

Classification scheme of epithelial tissue:

Typically epithelial tissue is classified on the basis of arrangement and shape of cells. For naming the tissue types, the arrangement of the cells is stated first, then the shape, and is followed by “epithelium” to complete the naming. For example; Simple Squamous Epithelium.

Explanation: