Final answer:
Facilitated transport is the term for the movement of substances directly through the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. It occurs down a concentration gradient and is facilitated by transmembrane proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the movement of substances directly through the cytoplasm of epithelial cells is facilitated transport. Facilitated transport occurs down a concentration gradient, meaning that substances move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration with the aid of transmembrane proteins. These proteins allow certain substances to pass through the plasma membrane.