The characteristics of epithelial tissues are as follows:
1. Epithelial tissue forms a covering on inner and outer surface of body and organs.
2. The cells of this tissue are compactly arranged with little intercellular matrix.
3. The cells rest on a non-cellular basement membrane.
4. The epithelial cells are polygonal, cuboidal or columnar in shape.
5. A single nucleus is present at the centre or at the base of the cell.
6. The tissue is avascular and has a good regeneration capacity.
7. The major function of the epithelial tissue is protection. It also helps in absorption, transport, filtration and secretion.
