Epithelial cell
Epithelial Cell
Epithelial cells (pronounced: epi-thee-lee-al cells) are a type of cell that lines the surfaces of your body. They are found on your skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, and organs. They are also the main type of cell in your glands.
Etymology
The term "Epithelial" is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "thele" meaning "nipple". This is because these cells were first observed in the mammary glands.
Function
Epithelial cells have a variety of functions depending on where they are found in the body. They serve as a protective barrier, control permeability, provide sensation, and produce specialized secretions.
Types of Epithelial Cells
There are three main types of epithelial cells: squamous, cuboidal, and columnar.
- Squamous epithelial cells are flat and scale-like. They are found in areas where rapid diffusion is required, such as the lungs and blood vessels.
- Cuboidal epithelial cells are cube-shaped and are found in areas where secretion and absorption occur, such as the kidney tubules.
- Columnar epithelial cells are tall and column-like. They are found in areas where absorption and secretion are important, such as the intestines.
Related Terms
- Basement membrane - a thin, fibrous, extracellular matrix of tissue that separates the epithelium, mesothelium, and endothelium from underlying connective tissue.
- Endothelial cells - a type of epithelial cell that lines the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
- Glandular epithelium - a type of epithelial tissue which covers the organs and glands of the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Epithelial cell
- Wikipedia's article - Epithelial cell
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