Question

characteristics of epithelia include all of the following except
○ polarity.
○ avascularity.
○ regeneration.
○ extracellular matrix.
○ attachment.

Explanation:

1. Recall the characteristics of epithelial tissue: Epithelial tissues have polarity (distinct apical and basal surfaces), are avascular (no blood vessels, rely on diffusion), can regenerate (quickly replace damaged cells), and have attachment (to a basement membrane).
2. Analyze the option "extracellular matrix": Epithelial tissues have very little extracellular matrix; connective tissues are characterized by abundant extracellular matrix. So extracellular matrix is not a characteristic of epithelia.

Answer:

extracellular matrix.