EPITHELIUM

• Comprised of cells that cover the exterior surface of the body, and line both the internal closed cavities of the body, and those body tubes that communicate with the exterior such as alimentary, respiratory, genitourinary
• Can be impervious (epidermis or bladder), secretory (stomach), absorptive (intestines), be a transport system (trachea), or receive sensory stimuli (taste buds of the tongue)
• Is attached to its underlying connective tissue by basement membrane