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Squamous epithelium

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	Topics Squamous epithelium Topic Home In anatomyAnatomy Anatomy , is the branch of biology that deals with the structure and organization of living things.... , squamous epithelium (from Latin squama, "scale") is an epitheliumEpithelium In skinology epithelium is a tissue composed of a layer of cells.... characterised by its most superficial layer consisting of flat, scale-like cellsCell (biology) The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living organisms, and is sometimes called the "building block of life.... 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. Simple squamous epithelia A simple squamous epithelium is characterized by the presence of squamous cells that are all in contact with the basement membraneBasement membrane The basement membrane is a structure that supports overlying epithelial or endothelial cells.... . The cells are irregularly shaped and very flat, so flat that the cell nucleusCell nucleus Overview In cell biology, the nucleus is an organelle found in most eukaryotic cells.... sometimes creates a bump in the surface of the cell. Gases and other substances can easily diffuseDiffusion Diffusion, being the spontaneous spreading of matter , heat, or momentum, is one type of transport phenomenon.... 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 lungLung The lung is the essential respiration organ in air-breathing vertebrates.... to facilitate gas exchangeGas exchange Gas exchange or respiration takes place at a respiratory surface - a boundary between the external environment and the... . Stratified squamous epithelia A stratified squamous epithelium consists of squamous (flattened) epithelial cells arranged in layers upon a basement membraneBasement membrane Summary The basement membrane is a structure that supports overlying epithelial or endothelial cells.... . 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. 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 keratinKeratin Keratins are a family of fibrous structural proteins; tough and insoluble, they form the hard but nonmineralized structures ... at the apicalApical Summary Apical, from the Latin apex meaning to be at the apex or tip, may refer to:... 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. Non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium (SSNKE): corneaCornea The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, providing most of an ... (see also corneal epitheliumCorneal epithelium The corneal epithelium covers the front of the cornea and consists of several layers of cells.... ), oral cavity, esophagusEsophagus The esophagus, or gullet is the muscular tube in vertebrates through which ingested food passes from the mouth area to... , rectumRectum The rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine in some mammals, and the gut in others, terminating in the ... , vaginaVagina The vagina, is the tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsup... , and the internal portion of the lipLip Lips are a visible organ at the mouth of humans and many animals.... s Keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium (SSKE): skinSkin In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissues th... , tongueTongue The tongue is the large bundle of skeletal muscles on the floor of the mouth that manipulates food for chewing and swallowin... (partially keratinised), and the external portion of the lipFacts About Lip Lips are a visible organ at the mouth of humans and many animals.... s See also Squamous cell carcinomaSquamous cell carcinoma In medicine, squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, incl... External links Simple squamous epithelium of the glomerulusFacts About Glomerulus A glomerulus is a capillary tuft surrounded by Bowman's capsule in nephrons of the vertebrate kidney.... (kidney) Stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina Stratified squamous epithelium of the skin (thin skin) Stratified squamous epithelium of the skin (thick skin)