Final answer:
Epithelial tissues are avascular, relying on diffusion or absorption for nutrients, and have a rapid regeneration capability to replace damaged cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: Epithelia is avascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels, and nutrients reach it by diffusion or absorption.
Epithelial tissues are large sheets of cells that cover body surfaces and line organs. They are nearly completely avascular, with no blood vessels penetrating the basement membrane. Instead, oxygen and nutrients must diffuse or be absorbed from other tissues or the surface. This is essential for organs exposed to the outside world, such as the skin, airways, and digestive tract, which are all lined by epithelium.
Despite the lack of a vascular network, epithelial tissues can rapidly regenerate, replacing damaged or dead cells. This feature is particularly beneficial for surface epithelia, which frequently encounter environmental stress.