General Anatomy · Multiple Systems · Medium
Epithelium
Meaning: Tissue made of tightly packed cells covering body surfaces and lining hollow organs and glands.
In practice: Long-term reflux can change the epithelium of the lower oesophagus, a condition called Barrett's.
Word parts
- epi- means on or above
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related general anatomy words.
Which word means: The main cell type of the outer skin layer, producing the tough fibrous protein found in hair and nails.
Answer: Keratinocyte
Which word means: A mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the nasal cavity, largest in young children.
Answer: Adenoid
Words like epithelium come up in the daily game
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