The main difference between epithelial and connective tissue is in cells, that they are made up of and their functions. Epithelial tissue consists of three types of cells – squamous, cuboidal and columnar. Cells in connective tissue are immersed in an indefinite matrix in addition to cartilaginous, collagen, elastic or fatty tissues. The most common cell is fibroblasts, some others are macrophages, mast cells, adipocytes, plasma cells, leukocytes etc. Epithelial tissue lines body cavities, blood vessels, digestive tract, and other delicate internal organs, helping in excretion, transportation, absorption, protection and secretion. Connective tissue, on the other hand, connects, supports and binds to other tissues.