Dictionary > Squamous epithelium

Squamous epithelium

Definition
noun, plural: squamous epithelia
An epithelial tissue comprised of squamous cells, as seen in epidermis, endothelium, alveolar epithelium, etc.
Supplement
The epithelial tissue (also called epithelium) is one of the different types of animal tissues. It is made up of one or more layers of cells closely packed together. It is primarily involved in protecting the underlying structures, secretion, regulation, and absorption. This tissue may be classified histologically according to the cell shape. The different types of epithelia based on the cell shape are: (1) squamous epithelium, (2) columnar epithelium, and (3) cuboidal epithelium.
The squamous epithelium is composed of epithelial cells that are distinctively flat and scale-like. The cells are wider than tall, and appear polygonal when viewed atop. It gives a smooth, low-friction surface, which allows easy movement of fluids over it.
The squamous epithelium may also be classified according to the number of layers that make it up, e.g. simple squamous epithelium or stratified squamous. A simple squamous epithelium is comprised of only one layer of squamous cells. In contrast, the stratified squamous epithelium is comprised of more than one layer of squamous epithelial cells. An example of a simple squamous epithelium is the endothelium whereas a stratified squamous epithelium is found in the epidermal layer of the skin. Other examples of squamous epithelium include the alveolar epithelium of the lung, pericardium, and those lining some body cavities.
Also called:

  • squamous epithelial tissue

See also:

  • tissue
  • epithelium
  • Related term(s):


    You will also like...

    Homeostatic Mechanisms and Cellular Communication
    Homeostatic Mechanisms and Cellular Communication

    Homeostasis is the relatively stable conditions of the internal environment that result from compensatory regulatory res..

    Pink Lotus plant on a pond
    Freshwater Lentic Communities & Animals

    This tutorial looks at some of the communities in freshwater lentic habitats. For instance, symbiosis occurs in a commun..

    Angle Oak Tree
    Seed Plants

    Seed plants are vascular plants. They differ from the other vascular plants in producing seeds that germinate into a new..

    Genetics – Lesson Outline & Worksheets
    Genetics – Lesson Outline & Worksheets

      Topics Modules Quizzes/Worksheets Description Introduction to Genetics Genetics – Definition: Heredity and ..

    Darwin's Finches - Natural Selection
    Darwin and Natural Selection

    This tutorial investigates the genetic diversity in more detail. It also delineates how certain alleles are favored over..

    The process of photosynthesis
    Photosynthesis – Photolysis and Carbon Fixation

    Photosynthesis is the process that plants undertake to create organic materials from carbon dioxide and water, with the ..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics