Epithelia are classified and identified by ________ and ________.

A) number of cell layers; function
B) number of cell layers; general shape
C) function; general shape
D) none of the above

Epithelial tissues are classified and identified based on the number of cell layers and the general shape of the cells that make up the tissue. The number of cell layers refers to whether the tissue is stratified (multiple layers of cells) or simple (single layer of cells), while the general shape of the cells refers to whether they are squamous (flat), cuboidal (cube-shaped), or columnar (column-shaped). Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.