Which of the following is NOT a function of epithelial tissue?

Epithelial tissue serves several essential functions in the body, including protection, filtration, and absorption. It acts as a barrier to protect underlying tissues from physical damage, pathogens, and dehydration. Furthermore, certain epithelial cells are specialized for absorption, such as those lining the intestines, which facilitate the uptake of nutrients into the body.

Filtration is another function associated with epithelial tissue, particularly in the kidneys where it plays a crucial role in the filtration of blood to form urine.

Support, on the other hand, is not a function of epithelial tissue. Support is primarily provided by connective tissues, which are designed to hold structures together and provide a framework for the body. Thus, identifying support as the function not associated with epithelial tissue is accurate.