What are the Characteristics of Epithelial Tissues?
Epithelial tissues have several distinct characteristics:
Cellularity: They consist of closely packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix. Polarity: They have an apical surface (facing the lumen or outside) and a basal surface (attached to the underlying connective tissue). Attachment: The basal surface is anchored to a basement membrane. Avascularity: Epithelial tissues lack blood vessels and rely on diffusion for nutrient and waste exchange. Regeneration: They have a high capacity for renewal and regeneration.
