An epithelium is a tissue composed of one or more layers of cells covering the external and internal surfaces of various body parts. Epithelial tissue also forms glands. The term “epithelium” (sing, of epithelia) was given by a Dutch anatomist Ruysch (1638-1731) to refer to the fact that epithelial (Gr. epi- upon, thelio- grows) tissues grow upon other tissues.
The epithelial tissues occur on external and internal exposed surfaces of the body parts where they form protective covering.
Origin of Epithelial Tissue:
Epithelial tissues evolved first and are also formed first in the embryo. The epithelial tissues arise from all the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, of the embryo. For example the epidermis of the skin from the ectoderm, coelomic epithelium from the mesoderm and epithelial lining of alimentary canal (= gut) from the endoderm.
Features of Epithelial Tissues:
Epithelial tissues consist of variously shaped cells closely arranged in one or more layers. There is little intercellular material between the cells. The cells are held together by intercellular junctions. The epithelial tissues usually rest on a thin non-cellular basement membrane.
Usually blood vessels are absent in epithelial tissues. However the underlying connective tissues are generally well supplied with blood vessels. Nutrients enter epithelial tissues from the underlying connective tissues by diffusing through the basement membrane.