Epithelial cells

Epithelial Cells

Epithelial cells are a type of cell that line the surfaces of your body. They are found on your skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, and organs. They are one of the four main types of tissue along with connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

Function

Epithelial cells serve as a barrier between the inside and outside of your body and protect it from damage. They also have other functions, depending on their type and location. For example, epithelial cells in the intestine help absorb nutrients, while those in the respiratory system help remove waste products.

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 line surfaces that require a thin layer of cells for a small amount of diffusion, such as the alveoli in the lungs.

• Cuboidal epithelial cells are cube-shaped and line surfaces that are active in secretion and absorption, such as the kidney tubules.

• Columnar epithelial cells are tall and column-like. They line surfaces that require a lot of secretion or absorption, such as the intestines.

Diseases Related to Epithelial Cells

Diseases and conditions can affect the function of epithelial cells. For example, cancer can cause uncontrolled growth and division of epithelial cells. Cystic fibrosis affects the epithelial cells in the lungs, causing them to produce thick, sticky mucus.

See Also

• Cell (biology)
• Tissue (biology)

References

Epithelial cells Resources
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