What is the main function of squamous epithelium?

Stratified squamous epithelium: This type of epithelium usually has protective functions, including protection against microorganisms from invading underlying tissue and/or protection against water loss. The outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) is made of stratified squamous epithelial cells.

What is Ectocervical squamous epithelium?

Ectocervix is covered by a pink stratified squamous epithelium, consisting of multiple layers of cells and a reddish columnar epithelium consisting of a single layer of cells lines the endocervix. The intermediate and superficial cell layers of the squamous epithelium contain glycogen.

What is Ectocervical epithelial cells?

Ectocervical cell colonies exhibited a stratified appearance, where as endocervical epithelial cells grew in a single layer with smooth overlapping of adjacent cells.

What is the function of squamous cells in cervix?

The stratified squamous epithelium of the cervix can be divided into three layers: the superficial, intermediate and parabasal/basal layer. Stratified squamous epithelium has a mainly protective function but also plays a vital role in the maintenance of vaginal pH.

What epithelium excretes mucus?

Video Solution: The goblet cells are specialised cells found in the intestine, which secrete mucus.

Is intraepithelial lesion HPV?

They are usually caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and are found when a Pap test or biopsy is done. Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions usually go away on their own without treatment, but sometimes they can become cancer and spread into nearby tissue.

What does a lesion on the cervix mean?

Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). This lesion means that you have changes on your cervix that may be precancerous. SIL lesions are classified as either low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade (HSIL), with high-grade lesions being more likely to progress to cervical cancer.

What are endocervical cells?

Endocervical cells are mucus-producing glandular cells located within the inner cervix (endocervix). During a Pap smear, your doctor or nurse may take a sample of these cells, but not always.

What is the difference between endocervix and Exocervix?

The endocervix is the opening of the cervix that leads into the uterus. It is covered with glandular cells. The exocervix (or ectocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen by the doctor during a speculum exam. It is covered in squamous cells.

Are squamous cells normal on the cervix?

A normal Pap smear shows healthy squamous cells (flat cells that look like fish scales) from the surface of the cervix. There are no signs of infection and no abnormal cells. Even if your Pap results are healthy, you should be tested regularly.