Tessellated epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue that is found in the urinary system. The word "tessellated" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈtɛsəleɪtəd/, which breaks down to "tes-uh-ley-tid." This pronunciation reflects the emphasis on the first syllable and the long "e" sound in the second syllable. The term "epithelium" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˌɛpəˈθiliəm/, which emphasizes the third syllable and has a short "i" sound in the second syllable. Together, these words form the unique term "tessellated epithelium."
Tessellated epithelium refers to a type of epithelial tissue characterized by tightly packed, flat, irregularly shaped cells that resemble irregular mosaic patterns. This specialized type of epithelium is typically found in organs and structures where cells need to stretch and fold without separating. The term "tessellated" is derived from the word "tessellate," which means to form a mosaic pattern.
This type of epithelium is commonly observed in organs that undergo expansion and contraction, such as urinary bladder, ureter, and the stomach. The tightly interlocking arrangement of tessellated epithelial cells allows these organs to stretch and accommodate changes in volume without sacrificing their integrity or strength. This epithelial tissue has a characteristic stratified nature, meaning it consists of several layers of cells. The outermost layer is generally flattened and irregularly shaped, while the inner layers tend to be more cuboidal or columnar in shape.
The intercellular spaces between the tessellated epithelial cells are filled with a unique substance called uroplakin. Uroplakin contributes to the strength and flexibility of the epithelium, providing a protective barrier against mechanical stresses and minimizing the risk of rupture or damage during stretching.
Overall, tessellated epithelium plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of organs that experience significant changes in volume or shape.
• Pavement e. with overlapping squamous cells.
• Pavement epithelium made of overlapping squamous cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tessellated" comes from the Latin term "tessella", which means a small square tile used in mosaics. In English, "tessellate" means to form or arrange small squares or tiles in a checkered or mosaic pattern. The term "tessellated epithelium" is used in biology to describe epithelial tissue that consists of closely packed, small, flat cells with little to no intercellular spaces, resembling a mosaic of tiles. The origin of the term "epithelium" is Greek, derived from "epi" meaning "upon" or "over" and "thēlē" meaning "nipple" or "teat", referring to the tissue's anatomical location as a covering or lining on the body or organs.