Which of the following is NOT a function of epithelial tissues?

Epithelial tissues serve several key functions within the body, including protection, secretion, and absorption. They are specialized for these roles due to their tightly packed cells that form barriers and their ability to exchange materials efficiently.

Protection is a primary function of epithelial tissue, shielding underlying structures from mechanical injury, pathogens, and chemical exposure. For instance, the skin is an epithelial layer that provides a protective barrier.

Secretion is another vital function, as many epithelial cells are specialized to produce and release substances such as hormones, enzymes, and mucus. Glandular epithelium, which forms the glands in the body, exemplifies this function.

Absorption is also characteristic of certain epithelial tissues, particularly those lining the intestines, where nutrients from digested food are absorbed into the bloodstream.

On the other hand, the transmission of signals is primarily the function of nervous tissue, not epithelial tissue. While epithelial tissues do respond to some stimuli, they are not designed to transmit nerve impulses. This function is specialized within neurons and the nervous system, which are responsible for signaling processes throughout the body.