Squamous epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue composed of thin, flattened cells. These cells are often described as resembling scales or tiles. There are two main types of squamous epithelium:
* Simple squamous epithelium: This type has a single layer of flat cells and is found in areas where diffusion and filtration are important, such as the lining of blood vessels, alveoli of the lungs, and the glomerular capsule of the kidneys.
* Stratified squamous epithelium: This type has multiple layers of flat cells, with the outermost layer being flattened. It is found in areas that experience abrasion, such as the skin, mouth, and esophagus.
