Final answer:
Epithelial tissue acts as a protective barrier for the body and has functions in protection, secretion, absorption, and filtration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epithelial tissue, also known as epithelium, acts as a protective barrier for the body. It covers the exterior surfaces, lines internal cavities and passageways, and forms certain glands. Epithelial tissues function in protection from the environment, coverage, secretion and excretion, absorption, and filtration. They are closely packed cells with little extracellular matrix and are bound together by tight junctions that form an impermeable barrier.