epithelium

[ ep-uh-thee-lee-uhm ]

noun

, Biology.

, plural ep·i·the·li·ums, ep·i·the·li·a [ep-, uh, -, thee, -lee-, uh].

1. any plant or animal tissue that covers a surface or lines a cavity, and that also performs any of various secretory, transporting, or regulatory functions.

epithelium

/ ˌɛpɪˈθiːlɪəm /

noun

1. an animal tissue consisting of one or more layers of closely packed cells covering the external and internal surfaces of the body. The cells vary in structure according to their function, which may be protective, secretory, or absorptive

epithelium

/ ĕp′ə-thē′lē-əm /

, Plural epithelia

1. The thin, membranous tissue that lines most of the internal and external surfaces of an animal's body. Epithelium is composed of one or more layers of densely packed cells. In vertebrates, it lines the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), the surface of most body cavities, and the lumen of fluid-filled organs, such as the gut or intestine.

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈthelial, adjective

Other Words From

• ep·i·the·li·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epithelium¹

First recorded in 1740–50; from New Latin, from Greek epi- epi- ( def ) + thēl(ḗ) “teat” + New Latin -ium -ium ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of epithelium¹

C18: New Latin, from epi- + Greek thēlē nipple

Example Sentences

"Barrett's esophagus is characterized by the replacement of the resident squamous epithelium of the esophagus by other cell types that are not normally found in this tissue," says the scientist.

From Science Daily

They analysed DNA from gut epithelium cells from 18 adult female hyenas and 24 cubs with known social status from three clans in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

From Science Daily

In previous studies, 4'-FlU demonstrated broad oral efficacy against seasonal, pandemic and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in cell culture, human airway epithelium cells and two animal models, ferrets and mice.

From Science Daily

Researchers found BA.2.86 was more efficient at infecting a cell line derived from the human lower airway epithelium in the lung.

From Science Daily

A domestic cat’s olfactory epithelium— the specialized tissue in the nose containing the receptors that detect odors—is five to 10 times larger than a human’s.

From National Geographic