Epithelial cells

Epithelial cells are polarised cells which are tightly bound together to form a sheet which is found on top of a basement membrane. These sheets protect the body from the external environment by forming a barrier. They are found in the skin, intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, lungs and kidney. The cells can be various shapes and project cilia for surface transport and microvilli for absorption. Although the cell's primary function is protection, they are also involved in absorption, maintaining the body's internal environment and secretion.