Squamous Epithelial Cells (Flat Lining Cells)

Flat as a tile

Epithelial cells are lining cells. They cover your body and line the inside of tubes and bags in it.

Squamous means flat and scaly. These cells are thin and wide, and they fit together edge to edge like tiles on a floor.

• One thin layer lines your blood vessels and the tiny air sacs in your lungs.
• Many layers stacked up make the tough lining of your mouth and the outside of your skin.

Thin where it helps, thick where it protects

Where there is just one thin layer, things can pass through easily. In your lungs, oxygen slips right through these flat cells and into your blood.

Where there are many layers, the flat cells protect you. When the top ones rub off, new ones from below take their place. That is why chewing crunchy food does not wear out your mouth.

Flat lining cell quiz