part of part of squamous epithelial cell mesothelial cell https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000077 FMA:66773 Mesothelial cells, which morphologically resemble squamous epithelial cells, express both epithelial markers (cytokeratins) and mesenchymal markers (vimentin), reflecting their mesodermal origin. They feature surface microvilli and apical-basal polarity. Under certain conditions, they can undergo mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These cells also produce extracellular matrix proteins, maintain serosal homeostasis, and facilitate fluid transport. ZFA:0009040 Mesothelial cells are crucial components of the mesothelium, a protective layer that lines the body's internal cavities, including pleural cavity (around the lungs), the pericardial cavity (around the heart), and the peritoneal cavity (within the abdomen). Derived from the embryonic mesoderm layer, these cells exhibit a squamous-like epithelial morphology, usually appearing as a single layer of flat, pavement-like cells in their healthy state. Mesothelial cells play a vital role in various physiological processes, such as intraperitoneal immunity, fibrinolysis, tissue repair, and tumor suppression. Their primary function is to provide a slippery, non-adhesive and protective surface to reduce friction and eases the movements of the organs within the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities, and they participate in the transport and movement of fluid and various molecules across the so-called serosal cavities. These cells have adaptive capabilities that facilitate their role in many pathological processes. In response to injury or inflammation, mesothelial cells can undergo morphological and functional changes, such as mesothelial-mesenchymal transitions, aiding in wound healing and tissue repair. Dysfunctions of mesothelial cells, however, can lead to serious health conditions, including adhesions, fibrosis, and malignancies such as peritoneal and pleural mesotheliomas. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) mesotheliocyte A flat, squamous-like epithelial cell of mesodermal origin. It forms the mesothelium, which lines the body's serous cavities including the pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial spaces. This cell plays a crucial role in synthesizing and secreting lubricants, such as glycosaminoglycans and surfactants, which minimize friction between adjacent tissues during movement. meso-epithelial cell Homo sapiens mesothelium