Which is a function of epithelial tissue?

• A. Protection, absorption, filtration, secretion
• B. Conduction of nerve impulses
• C. Muscle contraction
• D. Storage of fat

Answer: (A)

Epithelial tissue serves to protect body surfaces, absorb nutrients, filter substances, and secrete various products. It forms the protective barriers of skin and mucous membranes, lines cavities and ducts, and lines glandular tissue. Absorption happens in places like the intestinal lining, where nutrients pass into the bloodstream, while filtration occurs in kidney tubules as fluid and solutes are processed. Secretion is another key role, with glandular epithelia releasing enzymes, mucus, or hormones. By contrast, conduction of nerve impulses belongs to nervous tissue, muscle contraction to muscle tissue, and storage of fat to adipose (a connective tissue). So the functions listed align with epithelial tissue.