Nokea
A tissue examined under the microscope exhibits the following characteristics: cells found on the internal surface of the stomach, no extracellular matrix, tall and thin cells, and no blood vessels in the tissue. What type of tissue is this?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epithelial. Epithelial tissue is characterized by cells tightly packed together that form a protective barrier on internal and external body surfaces. The description in the question matches the characteristics of epithelial tissue found lining the internal surface of organs like the stomach. This type of tissue lacks blood vessels and typically does not contain an extracellular matrix, which is a defining feature of connective tissue. Muscle tissue is composed of cells capable of contraction and relaxation, while cartilage is a type of connective tissue consisting of specialized cells embedded in a matrix.