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 from the given options, we can analyze each option step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Epithelial Tissue**:
Epithelial tissues are one of the four main types of tissues in the body. They cover body surfaces, line cavities and organs, and form glands.

**Hint**: Remember that epithelial tissues serve as protective barriers and are involved in absorption and secretion.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: "The cells are compactly packaged with fluid intercellular matrix."
- This statement suggests that there is a significant amount of fluid matrix between the cells, which is not characteristic of epithelial tissue.

**Hint**: Epithelial tissues have minimal intercellular matrix, unlike connective tissues which have more fluid.

- **Option B**: "The cells are loosely packaged with abundant intercellular matrix."
- This implies a loose arrangement and abundant matrix, which is more typical of connective tissues, not epithelial tissues.

**Hint**: Epithelial tissues are tightly packed, not loosely arranged.

- **Option C**: "The cells are compactly packed with little or no intercellular matrix."
- This statement accurately describes epithelial tissues. They are tightly packed with very little intercellular material.

**Hint**: Focus on the compact nature of epithelial cells and their function in forming barriers.

- **Option D**: "The cells are loosely packed with little intercellular matrix."
- This suggests a loose arrangement, which again is not characteristic of epithelial tissues.

3. **Conclusion**:
After analyzing all the options, the correct characteristic of epithelial tissues is given in **Option C**: "The cells are compactly packed with little or no intercellular matrix."

**Final Answer**: Option C is the correct answer.