epithelium
/,epi'θ:ljəm/
Definition
- Noun:
- Membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body: A thin layer of cells that forms a continuous sheet lining various cavities and surfaces inside the body, including organs, blood vessels, and the skin's outer layer. It serves protective, secretory, and absorptive functions.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The epithelium of the intestine is specialized for nutrient absorption.
- Damage to the respiratory epithelium can lead to breathing difficulties.
- A biopsy examined the epithelium lining the stomach.
Advanced Usage
- "Simple epithelium": Refers to epithelium consisting of a single layer of cells.
- Simple squamous epithelium lines the air sacs of the lungs.
- "Stratified epithelium": Refers to epithelium composed of multiple layers of cells.
- The skin's outer layer is a protective stratified squamous epithelium.
- "Glandular epithelium": Epithelium specialized for secretion.
- Glandular epithelium forms the secretory units of the pancreas.
Variants and Related Words
- Epithelial (adj): Of or relating to epithelium.
- The epithelial layer acts as a barrier.
- Epithelioid (adj): Resembling epithelium.
- The tumor had an epithelioid cell morphology.
Synonyms
- Mucous membrane (when referring to epithelium lining body cavities open to the exterior).
- Tissue layer (a general, less specific term).
Related Phrases (Scientific Context)
- Epithelial cell: An individual cell that is part of an epithelium.
- Epithelial cells are tightly packed together.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT): A biological process where epithelial cells lose their properties.
- EMT is a critical process in embryonic development and cancer metastasis.
Noun
-
membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body
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