Squamous is a medical time period used to explain cells which can be skinny and flat, resembling scales. The time period is derived from the Latin phrase “squama,” that means “scale.” Squamous cells are present in varied tissues all through the physique, together with the pores and skin, lining of the mouth and esophagus, and the liner of the vagina.
The squamous epithelium is the skinny, outermost layer of the pores and skin. It consists of a number of layers of squamous cells which can be tightly packed collectively to type a protecting barrier towards the exterior setting. The squamous epithelium is consistently being renewed as cells are shed from the floor and changed by new cells from beneath.