In epithelial tissue

Options

A. Cells are compactly packed with large amounts of intercellular matrix
B. A free surfaceis present which faces either a body fluid or the outside environment
C. The tissue provides a covering or lining for all parts of the body
D. The cells are always loosely packed with little intracellular matrix

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Epithelial Tissue**: Epithelial tissue is characterized by closely packed cells with minimal intercellular space. This means that the cells are tightly packed together, which is essential for their functions such as protection, absorption, and secretion.

2. **Evaluating the First Statement**: The first statement claims that "cells are compactly packed with a large amount of intercellular matrix." This statement is incorrect. In epithelial tissue, the cells are indeed compactly packed, but they have very little intercellular matrix.

3. **Evaluating the Second Statement**: The second statement states that "the free surface is present which faces either a body fluid or the outside environment." This statement is correct. Epithelial tissues have a free surface that can face the external environment or internal body fluids, which is a key characteristic of this tissue type.

4. **Evaluating the Third Statement**: The third statement claims that "the tissue provides a covering or lining of all parts of the body." This statement is misleading. While epithelial tissues do provide covering and lining, they specifically line the inner surfaces of organs and cavities rather than covering all parts of the body indiscriminately.

5. **Evaluating the Fourth Statement**: The fourth statement asserts that "the cells are loosely packed with a little intercellular matrix." This statement is incorrect. Epithelial cells are compactly packed with very little intercellular matrix, not loosely packed.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the evaluations, the only correct statement about epithelial tissue is the second one regarding the presence of a free surface facing body fluids or the external environment.

**Final Answer**: The correct statement about epithelial tissue is the second one: "the free surface is present which faces either a body fluid or the outside environment."

---