Final answer:
The statement that all epithelial tissues are attached to a basement membrane made solely of areolar connective tissue is false. Epithelial tissues are indeed attached to a basement membrane, but it is composed of both the basal lamina and the reticular lamina, and different types of connective tissues can be associated with it, not just areolar tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epithelial Tissues and Basement Membrane
The statement that ALL epithelial tissues are "held in place" by a basement membrane of areolar connective tissue is false. Epithelial tissues are indeed attached to a basement membrane, which is essential for their structural integrity. However, the basement membrane is not solely composed of areolar connective tissue. It is composed of the basal lamina layer and reticular lamina layer, together they form the basement membrane holding the epithelia in place.
The basal lamina is made up of glycoproteins such as laminin and collagen. It acts as a selective filter and an attachment site for the epithelium, separating it from the underlying tissues. The reticular lamina, which is secreted by the underlying connective tissue, often consists of collagen fibers that link with those of the basal lamina. Different types of underlying connective tissues may be associated with the basement membrane, not just areolar tissue.
Areolar tissue, while commonly found beneath the epithelia, is just one type of connective tissue that may be present. It contains various cell types and fibers, provided in a random, web-like configuration. This configuration fills spaces between muscle fibers, surrounds blood and lymph vessels, supports organs in the abdominal cavity, and underlies most epithelia acting as part of the connective tissue component of epithelial membranes.