Final answer:
Epithelial cells exhibit polarity with differences in structure and function between the apical and basal surfaces. The apical membrane components and basal membrane components are different. The apical surface is exposed to the external environment or a body cavity, while the basal surface is attached to the underlying connective tissue through the basement membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epithelial cells exhibit polarity with differences in structure and function between the apical facing surface of the cell and the basal surface close to the underlying body structures. The apical membrane components and basal membrane components are different. The apical surface is exposed to the external environment or a body cavity, while the basal surface is attached to the underlying connective tissue through the basal lamina and reticular lamina, forming a basement membrane.