Groups of cells in animals specialized in covering or otherwise encasing other cell types.

Also known as , epithelial tissue lines body cavities, covers organs, makes up the , lines , lines the alimentary canal (and gastrovascular cavities), etc.

Epithelial tissue is associated with, that is, sits upon what are known as , which are quite different from cell membranes. Epithelial tissue also serves as selectively permeable barriers between within bodies.

Cell types making up epithelial tissue include what are known as

which can be further subdivided into

as well as .

, epithelial tissue originates from , , and . Many also consist of epithelial tissue (i.e., ).