Skin is made water tight due the presence of _ in the epithelial cells 

Options

A. Desmosomes
B. microvilli
C. tight junctions
D. gap junctions

Answer

To answer the question "Skin is made watertight due to the presence of _ in the epithelial cells," we need to analyze the options provided and understand the role of different structures in epithelial cells.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Epithelial Cells**: Epithelial cells are tightly packed cells that cover body surfaces and line cavities. They play a crucial role in protection, absorption, and secretion.

2. **Identifying Cell Junctions**: The question provides several options related to cell junctions:
- **Desmosomes**: These provide strength and stability to tissues by linking adjacent cells through intermediate filaments. However, they do not create a watertight barrier.
- **Microvilli**: These are projections that increase surface area for absorption and secretion but do not contribute to making the skin watertight.
- **Tight Junctions**: These are specialized connections between epithelial cells that prevent the passage of materials between cells, effectively sealing the spaces and making the skin watertight.
- **Gap Junctions**: These allow for communication and the exchange of small molecules between adjacent cells but do not contribute to waterproofing.

3. **Determining the Correct Answer**: Among the options, tight junctions are specifically designed to block fluid flow between cells, creating a watertight seal. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "tight junction."

### Final Answer:
Skin is made watertight due to the presence of **tight junctions** in the epithelial cells.

---