Epithelial Tissue are generally single- layered outer lining of animals. Epithelial tissues are thin tissues that cover all the exposed surfaces of the body. In some organ they are multi- layered. it is formed by cells within an extracellular matrix (ECM). There is no intercellular space. Epithelial tissue is derived from all three major embryonic layers. These are superficial and if they possess one cell layer thickness, they are called simple epithelial tissues. When they consists of more than one layer, they are called compound epithelial tissues.

Epithelial tissue possess the following characteristics.

1. In Epithelial tissue special glands are present.
2. In Epithelial tissue Blood capilaries are absent.
3. The cell may be single layer or multi layer.
4. Cells are firmly attached by intercellular junctions.
5. cover all the exposed surfaces of the body.