13. A tissue examined under the microscope exhibits the following characteristics: cells found on the internal surface of the stomach, no extracellular matrix, cells tall and thin, and no blood vessels in the tissue. What type of tissue is this?
Answer: A
Epithelial tissue is the correct type of tissue described.
The tissue in question is identified as epithelial because it consists of tightly packed cells that cover surfaces and line cavities. The characteristics of being found on the internal surface of the stomach, having no extracellular matrix, featuring tall and thin cells, and lacking blood vessels align perfectly with epithelial tissue.
A) Epithelial
This option is correct as epithelial tissue is characterized by closely packed cells that form a protective layer on surfaces. The absence of an extracellular matrix and blood vessels is typical of epithelial tissue, which relies on underlying connective tissue for nutrient supply. Additionally, the tall and thin configuration of the cells suggests a specific type of epithelial tissue, likely columnar epithelium, commonly found in the stomach lining.
B) Connective
Connective tissue is incorrect because it is defined by a substantial extracellular matrix that supports and binds other tissues and organs. The presence of blood vessels is also a hallmark of connective tissue, which is not observed in this case. The characteristics described do not match those of connective tissue types.
C) Muscle
Muscle tissue does not fit the description due to its primary function of contraction and movement. Muscle cells are typically elongated and may appear striated or smooth, but they are not organized in the same manner as the cells described. Furthermore, muscle tissue is vascularized, which contradicts the lack of blood vessels noted in the tissue.
D) Nervous
Nervous tissue is incorrect as it is primarily composed of neurons and glial cells, which have distinct functions related to signal transmission. The characteristics of being tightly packed and lacking blood vessels do not align with nervous tissue structures, which are involved in communication and processing information in the body.
Conclusion
Epithelial tissue is definitively the correct answer due to its unique structural characteristics that match the description provided. The absence of extracellular matrix and blood vessels, along with the arrangement of tall and thin cells, rules out all other tissue types, confirming that the tissue in question is indeed epithelial.