This article does not cite any references or sources. (December 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Squamous epithelium is one of several types of epithelia.

In anatomy, squamous epithelium (from Latin squama, "scale") is an epithelium characterised by its most superficial layer consisting of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cell. Epithelium may possess only one layer of these cells, in which case it is referred to as simple squamous epithelium; or it may possess multiple layers, referred to then as stratified squamous epithelium. Both types perform differing functions, ranging from nutrient exchange to protection. Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Illu_epithelium. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Illu_epithelium. ... Human heart and lungs, from an older edition of Grays Anatomy. ... This article is about the epithelium as it relates to animal anatomy. ... Drawing of the structure of cork as it appeared under the microscope to Robert Hooke from Micrographia which is the origin of the word cell being used to describe the smallest unit of a living organism Cells in culture, stained for keratin (red) and DNA (green) The cell is the...

Simple squamous epithelia

A simple squamous epithelium is characterized by the presence of squamous cells that are all in contact with the basement membrane. The cells are irregularly shaped and very flat, so flat that the cell nucleus sometimes creates a bump in the surface of the cell. Gases and other substances can easily diffuse across squamous cells to the underlying basement membrane, and, because of their smooth surface, liquids can quickly flow over them. As such, simple squamous epithelia are seen lining body cavities and capillaries to reduce friction, as well as lining the alveoli of the lung to facilitate gas exchange. ... HeLa cells stained for DNA with the Blue Hoechst dye. ... diffusion (disambiguation). ... In anatomy, a serous membrane or serosa is a smooth membrane consisting of a thin layer of cells which excrete a fluid, known as serous fluid. ... The word capillary is used to describe any very narrow tube or channel through which a fluid can pass. ... The alveoli (singular:alveolus), tiny hollow sacs which are continuous with the airways, are the sites of gas exchange with the blood. ... For the village in Tibet, see Lung, Tibet. ... Gas exchange or respiration takes place at a respiratory surface - a boundary between the external environment and the interior of the body. ...

Stratified squamous epithelia

Stratified squamous epithelium is characteristic of the normal lining of the esophagus, as seen in this section.

The epidermal layer of human skin is formed by stratified squamous epithelium.

A stratified squamous epithelium consists of squamous (flattened) epithelial cells arranged in layers upon a basement membrane. Only one layer is in contact with the basement membrane; the other layers adhere to one another to maintain structural integrity. Although this epithelium is referred to as squamous, many cells within the layers may not be flattened; this is due to the convention of naming epithelia according to the cell type at the surface. Image File history File links Esophagus_path. ... Image File history File links Esophagus_path. ... The esophagus or oesophagus (see American and British English spelling differences), sometimes known as the gullet, is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. ... Image File history File links Skinlayers. ... Image File history File links Skinlayers. ... Look up Epidermis in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For other uses, see Skin (disambiguation). ... In zootomy, epithelium is a tissue composed of a layer of cells. ... ...

This type of epithelium is well suited to areas in the body subject to constant abrasion, as the layers can be sequentially sloughed off and replaced before the basement membrane is exposed.

Stratified squamous epithelium is further classified by the presence or absence of keratin at the apical surface. Non-keratinised surfaces must be kept moist by bodily secretions to prevent them drying out and dying, whereas keratinised surfaces are kept hydrated and protected by keratin. Not to be confused with kerogen or carotene. ... Apical, from the Latin apex (plural apices) meaning to be at the apex or tip, may refer to: An apical consonant, a consonant produced with the tip of the tongue Apical dominance An apical bud An apical pulse: apical pulse is your heart rate when counted with a stethoscope (steth...

• Non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium (SSNKE): cornea (see also corneal epithelium), oral cavity, esophagus, rectum, vagina, and the internal portion of the lips
• Keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium (SSKE): skin, tongue (partially keratinised), and the external portion of the lips

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, providing most of an eyes optical power [1]. Together with the lens, the cornea refracts light and, as a result, helps the eye to focus. ... The corneal epithelium (epithelium corneæ anterior layer) covers the front of the cornea and consists of several layers of cells. ... The mouth, also known as the buccal cavity or the oral cavity, is the opening through which an animal or human takes in food. ... The esophagus or oesophagus (see American and British English spelling differences), sometimes known as the gullet, is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. ... The rectum (from the Latin rectum intestinum, meaning straight intestine) is the final straight portion of the large intestine in some mammals, and the gut in others, terminating in the anus. ... The vagina, (from Latin, literally sheath or scabbard ) is the tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. ... For other uses, see Lip (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Skin (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Tongue (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Lip (disambiguation). ...

See also

• Squamous cell carcinoma

Biopsy of a highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. ...

External links

• Histology at KUMC epithel-epith02 Simple squamous epithelium of the glomerulus (kidney)
• Diagrams of simple squamous epithelium
• Histology at KUMC epithel-epith12 Stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina
• Histology at KUMC epithel-epith14 Stratified squamous epithelium of the skin (thin skin)
• Histology at KUMC epithel-epith15 Stratified squamous epithelium of the skin (thick skin)
• Stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus