Final answer:
Epithelial cells are NOT richly vascularized. They have an apical and basal surface, are bound together to form sheets, have a free surface, and regenerate readily.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epithelial cells are a type of tissue that line surfaces and form protective barriers in the body. One statement that is NOT true of epithelial cells is that they are richly vascularized. Unlike other tissues, epithelial tissues are nearly completely avascular, meaning they do not have blood vessels crossing the basement membrane to enter the tissue. Instead, nutrients must come by diffusion or absorption from underlying tissues or the surface.
Epithelial cells have an apical (exposed) and basal (close to underlying tissues) surface, and they are bound together to form sheets. They also have a free surface, which can be either the apical or basal surface depending on the location in the body. Additionally, epithelial cells are known for their ability to regenerate readily, allowing them to replace damaged or dead cells quickly.