Which function is NOT typically associated with epithelial tissue?

Epithelial tissue serves several essential functions in the body, including absorption, secretion, and protection. Each of these roles is integral to various physiological processes.

Absorption is a critical function primarily associated with epithelial tissues lining areas such as the intestines, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Secretion is another key role, with epithelial cells producing and releasing substances such as hormones, enzymes, and mucus, often found in glandular tissues. Protection is a fundamental function of epithelial tissue, forming barriers against mechanical injury, pathogens, and dehydration, especially in areas exposed to external environments.

Communication, while vital in the functioning of the body, is more directly associated with nervous tissue rather than epithelial tissue. Epithelial cells do not typically serve the role of transmitting signals or communication between cells in the manner that neurons do. Instead, while there may be some signaling pathways occurring due to hormonal or paracrine signaling in epithelial cells, the primary function of communication is not a typical role attributed to epithelial tissue. This distinction highlights why communication is the function that does not align with the traditional roles of epithelial tissue.