Which of the following characteristics is correct for epithelial tissues ?

Options

A. The cells are compactly package with fluid intercellular matrix
B. The cells are loosely package with abundant intercellular matrix
C. The cells are compactly packed with little or no intercellular matrix
D. The cells are loosely packed with little intercellular matrix

Answer

To determine the correct characteristic of epithelial tissues, we need to analyze the options provided and understand the fundamental properties of epithelial tissues.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Epithelial Tissue**:
- Epithelial tissues form the outer covering of organs and structures in the body, including the skin. They serve as protective barriers and are involved in absorption, secretion, and sensation.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1**: "Cells are compactly packed with fluid intracellular matrix."
- This option suggests that there is a significant amount of fluid matrix between the cells, which is not characteristic of epithelial tissue.
- **Option 2**: "The cells are loosely packed with abundant intracellular matrix."
- This option implies that there is a lot of space and fluid between the cells, which is also incorrect for epithelial tissues.
- **Option 3**: "The cells are compactly packed with little or no intracellular matrix."
- This option accurately describes epithelial tissue, as the cells are tightly packed with minimal intercellular space.
- **Option 4**: "The cells are loosely packed with little intracellular matrix."
- This option contradicts the nature of epithelial tissue, as they are not loosely packed.

3. **Conclusion**:
- After analyzing all the options, the correct characteristic of epithelial tissues is that "the cells are compactly packed with little or no intracellular matrix." Therefore, the correct answer is **Option 3**.