Squamous epithelium

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Plaster epithelium, epithelium planocellular; Squamous epithelia; squamous epithelium

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Squamous epithelium is the term used to describe the uppermost cell layers, which are found on many outer and inner surfaces and consist of flat, interconnected, very resistant cells. Squamous epithelia can consist of a single cell layer (single-layer squamous epithelium = endothelium or mesothelium) or of several cell layers (multi-layer squamous epithelium). Furthermore, the squamous epithelium can keratinize or not:

  • keratinizing squamous epithelium (epidermis)
  • non-cornifying squamous epithelium (oral cavity, esophagus, anus, vagina, glans penis and inner preputial leaf)

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer