Which tissue covers outside of the body and lines organs and cavities?

• A. Nervous tissue
• B. Connective tissue
• C. Epithelial tissue
• D. Muscle tissue

Answer: (C)

The main idea is recognizing tissue by its role in covering and lining surfaces. Epithelial tissue forms continuous layers that cover the outside of the body, as in the skin’s epidermis, and line the hollow organs and body cavities, such as the lining of the digestive tract or airways. These cells are tightly packed and come in different shapes and layering patterns (like flat squamous or tall columnar) to provide protection, absorption, secretion, and filtration as needed. This dual job of guarding the exterior and lining internal surfaces is what makes epithelial tissue the correct choice. In contrast, nervous tissue specializes in signaling, connective tissue provides support and binding, and muscle tissue contracts to produce movement, so they don’t satisfy the description of covering the outside and lining organs and cavities.