How do epithelial cells obtain their nourishment and get rid of their waste?

A) Through small channels in the tissue
B) Through their extensive blood vessels
C) Through the air in the environment
D) Through the blood vessels of the underlying connective tissue
E) By a combination of all of these methods

Epithelial cells obtain their nourishment and get rid of their waste through the blood vessels of the underlying connective tissue. Epithelial tissues do not have their own blood supply or lymphatic vessels, so they rely on diffusion from the underlying connective tissue to obtain nutrients and eliminate waste products.