epithelial biology

Epithelial biology studies epithelial tissue, which lines surfaces and cavities throughout the body, including the skin, organs, and blood vessels. This tissue acts as a protective barrier, controlling what enters and leaves the body, and plays crucial roles in absorption, secretion, and sensation. Epithelial cells are tightly packed, minimizing gaps, and can be specialized for specific functions, such as exchanging gases in the lungs or absorbing nutrients in the intestines. Understanding epithelial biology is essential for insights into health and disease, particularly in areas like cancer, infections, and metabolic disorders.