Which type of tissue covers and protects the body and organs?

Epithelial tissue is specifically designed to cover and protect surfaces throughout the body, including the outer layer of skin and the lining of internal organs. This type of tissue consists of closely packed cells that form continuous sheets, providing a barrier while also allowing for absorption, secretion, and sensation. Its role is crucial in protecting underlying structures from physical damage, pathogens, and dehydration.

Epithelial tissue can be found in various forms, such as simple squamous, cuboidal, and columnar, each serving different functions depending on its location in the body. For example, the skin's epidermis, made up of stratified squamous epithelium, functions to protect against environmental hazards.

The other tissue types serve different essential functions within the body. Muscular tissue is responsible for movement, connective tissue supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs, while nerve tissue is involved in transmitting impulses and processing information. These distinctions highlight why epithelial tissue is the correct choice for the question regarding which type covers and protects the body and its organs.