Squamous cells are flat cells which form the surface of an epithelium (such as skin or mucous membranes). They can be identified histologically by the fact that they look flattened and thin under a microscope.

Epithelia lined by squamous cells can be classified as either stratified or simple. In simple squamous epithelia all the cells are in contact with the basal lamina (basement membrane) of the epithelium, whereas in stratified squamous epithelia the cells which line the epithelium are arranged in layers and as such some of them won't be in contact with the basement membrane.

Other epithelia include columnar epithelia, cuboidal epithelia and transitional epithelia.

See also

• Squamous cell carcinoma

Epithelial cells