noun
- a thin layer of cells that covers the surface of the body or lines internal organs and cavities
Usage: anatomy, biology
Examples
- The epithelium of the skin acts as a protective barrier against infection.
- Damage to the respiratory epithelium can impair the lungs' ability to filter air.
- The intestinal epithelium absorbs nutrients from food.
- Epithelium lines the inside of blood vessels throughout the body.
- The cornea's epithelium must remain healthy for clear vision.
- Specialized epithelium in the stomach secretes digestive acids.