Final answer:
The special cell contacts of epithelial tissue are tight junctions, adherens junctions, and gap junctions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epithelial tissues are highly cellular and have little or no extracellular material between cells. Adjoining cells form specialized intercellular connections called cell junctions. There are three types of cell junctions in epithelial tissue:
- Tight junctions: These form a seal between adjacent cells, preventing the movement of substances through the extracellular space.
- Adherens junctions: These use proteins called cadherins or integrins to link cells together and have a role in holding cells together.
- Gap junctions: These form channels between adjacent cells, allowing direct communication and the passage of small molecules.