A type of tissue that covers body surfaces and lines body cavities, serving protective, secretory, and absorptive functions. It forms the outer layer of skin and inner lining of organs.
From Greek 'epi' (upon) and 'thele' (nipple), literally meaning 'upon the nipple'. Coined in the 18th century by anatomist Albrecht von Haller, who first observed this tissue type on nipple surfaces before recognizing its presence throughout the body.
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