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Webster 1913 Edition


Epithelium

Epˊi-the′li-um

,
Noun.
;
pl. E.
Epitheliums
(#)
, L.
Epithelia
(#)
.
[NL., fr. Gr.
ἐπί
upon + [GREEK] nipple.]
(Anat.)
The superficial layer of cells lining the alimentary canal and all its appendages, all glands and their ducts, blood vessels and lymphatics, serous cavities, etc. It often includes the epidermis (i. e., keratin-producing epithelial cells), and it is sometimes restricted to the alimentary canal, the glands and their appendages, – the term endothelium being applied to the lining membrane of the blood vessels, lymphatics, and serous cavities.

Definition 2024


epithelium

epithelium

See also: épithélium

English

Noun

epithelium (plural epitheliums or epithelia)

  1. (anatomy) A membranous tissue composed of one or more layers of cells which forms the covering of most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs: internally including the lining of vessels and other small cavities, and externally being the skin.
    • 1969, Vladimir Nabokov, Ada or Ardor, Penguin 2011, p. 25:
      the passenger's roving eyes paused for a moment as he listened inwardly to a nether itch, which he supposed to be (correctly, thank Log) only a minor irritation of the epithelium.

Synonyms

  • epithelial tissue

Derived terms

Translations

See also