What is the term for the protective covering on body surfaces that includes skin and mucous membranes?

The term that describes the protective covering on body surfaces, which includes skin and mucous membranes, is epithelial tissue. This type of tissue serves several vital functions, including protection, absorption, secretion, and sensation.

Epithelial tissue forms the outer layer of the skin, providing a barrier that protects underlying structures from environmental hazards, pathogens, and other external factors. It also lines the cavities and surfaces of organs and blood vessels and plays a crucial role in the function of organs and systems throughout the body. For example, the moisture-retaining capacity of mucous membranes is essential for protecting internal surfaces, such as those in the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts.

The other tissue types listed serve different primary functions: connective tissue provides support and structure, nervous tissue is involved in transmitting impulses and processing information, while muscle tissue is responsible for movement. Thus, the defining characteristics and roles of epithelial tissue align perfectly with the protective functions described in the question.