what is squamous epithelial tissue

Squamous epithelial tissue is a type of epithelial tissue that is composed of flat, thin cells with irregular boundaries. These cells are large, flattened, and have an irregularly round shape, and are typically found lining surfaces that require a smooth flow of fluid, such as blood vessels and air sacs of lungs. Squamous epithelial cells are also found in the lining of the mouth, skin, and vagina. There are two types of squamous epithelial tissue: simple squamous epithelium and stratified squamous epithelium. Simple squamous epithelium is a single thin layer of flattened cells with irregular boundaries, and is found in the walls of blood vessels and air sacs of lungs. Stratified squamous epithelium, on the other hand, has layers of flattened epithelial cells arranged on a basal membrane, and is found in the innermost lining of the esophagus, mouth, and vagina. Squamous epithelial tissue is important for physiological processes like osmosis and diffusion.