Final answer:
A disorder in the epithelial tissue may lead to issues with nutrient absorption and mucus production, since epithelial tissue lines organs and is responsible for these functions specifically within the digestive tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inability to absorb digested nutrients and to produce appropriate levels of mucus indicates a disorder in the epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of blood vessels and organs throughout the body, including the digestive tract. Specifically, in the digestive tract, the mucosa, which is a type of epithelial tissue, plays a crucial role in both the secretion of mucus and the absorption of nutrients.
The mucosa is referred to as a mucous membrane because mucus production is a characteristic feature of gut epithelium. Goblet cells within the mucosa secrete mucus, which protects the lining of the digestive tract. Furthermore, columnar epithelial cells within the mucosa are responsible for the absorption of materials from the lumen of the digestive tract. Any impairment in these functions can be indicative of an epithelial tissue disorder.