Which type of tissue covers all body surfaces and lines cavities?

Epithelial tissue is the correct answer because it serves as a protective layer that covers all body surfaces, both inside and outside. This type of tissue is characterized by closely packed cells with minimal extracellular matrix, forming sheets that can vary in thickness and type. Epithelial tissue plays a crucial role in functions such as protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.

It lines the cavities of organs and structures within the body, such as the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and blood vessels, providing a barrier and facilitating selective exchange of substances. The diverse classifications of epithelial tissue, including simple, stratified, squamous, cuboidal, and columnar, allow for specialized functions that suit different locations and roles within the body.

The other types of tissue—muscle, nerve, and connective—have distinct functions that differ from those of epithelial tissue. Muscle tissue is primarily responsible for movement, nerve tissue facilitates communication through electrical impulses, and connective tissue supports and binds other tissues and organs in the body. Thus, while these tissues are essential for various bodily functions, they do not fulfill the specific role of covering body surfaces and lining cavities like epithelial tissue does.