Which type of animal tissue covers and protects surfaces?

Epithelial tissue is the type of animal tissue that plays a crucial role in covering and protecting surfaces both externally and internally. This tissue forms the outer layer of skin and lines various cavities and organs, providing a protective barrier against physical damage, pathogens, and dehydration.

In addition to offering protection, epithelial tissue is involved in absorption, secretion, and sensation. It can be classified into different types based on cell shape (such as squamous, cuboidal, or columnar) and the arrangement of the cells (simple or stratified), which allows for a variety of functions tailored to specific locations in the body.

The other types of tissues serve distinct purposes: muscle tissue is specialized for contraction and movement, nervous tissue is involved in the transmission of signals and communication within the body, and connective tissue provides support, binds different tissues together, and stores energy. Each of these has important functions, but none perform the protective covering function that is essential to epithelial tissue.