Squamous cells are basically types of cells which can be identified histologically by the fact that they look flattened and thin under a microscope. They are one of the cell types which comprise an epithelium. Cells in culture, stained for keratin (red) and DNA (green) The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living organisms, and are sometimes called the building blocks of life. ... It has been suggested that microscopy be merged into this article or section. ... In zootomy, epithelium is a tissue composed of a layer of cells. ...
Epithelia lined by squamous cells can be classified as either stratified or simple. In simple squamous epithelia all the cells are in contact with the basal lamina (basement membrane) of the epithelium whereas in stratified squamous epithelia the cells which line the epithelium are arranged in layers and as such some (most) won't be in contact with the basement membrane.
Other epithelia include columnar epithelia, cuboidal epithelia and transitional epithelia. Columnar epithelia are cells whose heights are at least twice their width. ... Cuboidal epithelia are cube-shaped epithelial cells present in single layers or multiple layers, depending on their location in the body. ... Transitional epithelia are multi-layered cells that can contract and expand. ...
In medicine, squamouscell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, the esophagus, the lungs, and the cervix.
Squamouscell carcinomas account for about 20% of non-melanoma skin cancers, (with basal cell carcinomas accounting for about 80%), but are clinically more significant because of their ability to metastasize.
Squamouscell carcinoma is usually developed in the epithelial layer of the skin and sometimes in different mucous membranes of the body.