epithelium Definition
a tissue that covers the internal and external surfaces of the body in animals.
Using epithelium: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "epithelium" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The epithelium of the skin is called epidermis.
Example
The epithelium of the respiratory tract is adapted for gas exchange.
Example
The epithelium of the intestine absorbs nutrients from food.
epithelium Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with epithelium
stratified epithelium
a type of epithelial tissue that consists of multiple layers of cells
Example
The skin is covered by a stratified epithelium.
pseudostratified epithelium
a type of epithelial tissue that appears to be stratified but consists of a single layer of cells
Example
The respiratory tract is lined with a pseudostratified epithelium.
a type of epithelial tissue that has hair-like projections called cilia on its surface
Example
The epithelium of the trachea is a ciliated epithelium.
Origins of epithelium
from Greek 'epi', meaning 'on' or 'upon', and 'thēlē', meaning 'nipple'
Summary: epithelium in Brief
The term 'epithelium' [ˌɛpɪˈθiːliəm] refers to a type of tissue that covers the internal and external surfaces of the body in animals. It includes tissues like the epidermis, which covers the skin, and the lining of the respiratory tract. Epithelium can be stratified, pseudostratified, or ciliated, depending on the presence of multiple layers of cells or hair-like projections called cilia.
