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Epithelia: meaning, definitions and examples

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epithelia

 

[ หŒepษชหˆฮธiหliษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological tissue

Epithelia refer to layers of cells that cover the body's surfaces, both inside and out, as well as lining cavities and organs. This type of tissue plays numerous roles, including protection, secretion, and absorption. Epithelial tissue is distinguished by its cells being closely packed together, with minimal extracellular matrix. It's classified based on cell shape and the number of layers, which affects its specific functions. Proper functioning of epithelia is essential for overall health, and dysfunction can lead to various diseases.

Synonyms

cellular lining, epithelial tissue, protective layer

Examples of usage

  • The epithelia protect underlying tissues.
  • Epithelia play a key role in absorption.
  • The respiratory epithelia trap dust and allergens.
  • Epithelia are involved in secretion of mucus.

Translations

Translations of the word "epithelia" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น epitรฉlios

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเค•เคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Epithelien

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ epitel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะฟั–ั‚ะตะปั–ั—

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nabล‚onki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธŠ็šฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉpithรฉlium

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ epitelios

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท epitelyum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ƒํ”ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุธู‡ุงุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epitel

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ epitel

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธŠ็šฎ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ epitel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพekja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฟะธั‚ะตะปะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒžแƒ˜แƒ—แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜แƒฃแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ epitelyum

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ epitelios

Etymology

The term 'epithelia' is derived from the Greek words 'epi' meaning 'upon' or 'above', and 'thele' meaning 'nipple' or 'suture'. Historically, the term was first used in medical Latin in the early 19th century to describe the tissue that covers both the external surface of the body and the lining of bodily cavities. Throughout history, the understanding of epithelial layers has evolved, particularly with advances in microscopy, leading to more detailed classifications based on structure and function. The study of epithelia has been fundamental in the field of histology and pathology, impacting our understanding of organ function and disease.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,187, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.