How would you distinguish epithelial tissues from connective tissues?

Question

On the basis of the abundance of extracellular material and cells.

Answer 1

Specimens from epithelial tissues have polygonal shaped cells and stain eosin pink whereas the immature cells of epithelium stain blue. Mature cells have pyknotic nucleus and are well isolated. They stain well with H&E staining technique.

Specimen from connective tissue lacks such type of (polygonal)cells. they are more abundant in reticulin or collagen fibers (matrix or bushy appearance). Staining technique prefered is VanGensen or silver impregnation methods as this shows poor staining with H&E.

Answer 2

In connective tissue you will find an abundance of matrix. Matrix is basically "filler tissue." In epithelial tissue you will be able to see definitive cells. If you would like to e-mail me a picture on what you're confused on, I am more than willing to help you. The e-mail is [e-mail]