Flat, scale-like epithelial cells are anatomically referred to as what?

Flat, scale-like epithelial cells are anatomically referred to as squamous cells. This term is used in histology to describe the shape of the cells, which are wider than they are tall, resembling scales. Squamous epithelium is crucial for various functions, especially in areas where rapid diffusion or filtration is necessary, such as the alveoli in the lungs or lining of the blood vessels.

In contrast, cuboidal cells are about as tall as they are wide and are typically found in glands and kidney tubules. Columnar cells are taller than they are wide and are often involved in absorption and secretion in organs like the intestines. Ciliated cells are specialized epithelial cells that have hair-like projections (cilia) on their surface, primarily found in the respiratory tract to help move mucus and trapped particles out of the airways. Each of these cell types serves distinct roles in the body, but none match the flat, scale-like description of squamous cells.