lemezsejtek

Lemezsejtek is a Hungarian term that translates to "plate cells" or "sheet cells." In biology, this term is often used to describe cells that are flattened and thin, resembling a plate or a sheet. This morphology is characteristic of certain types of tissues, particularly epithelial tissues. Epithelial cells, which form the outer surfaces of the body, line internal cavities, and form glands, can exhibit various shapes, including squamous (flattened), cuboidal (cube-shaped), and columnar (tall and rectangular). Lemezsejtek specifically refers to the squamous type.

These thin, flat cells are well-suited for functions that require rapid diffusion or transport across a surface, such as in the alveoli of the lungs where gas exchange occurs, or in the lining of blood vessels (endothelium) where nutrient and waste exchange takes place. Their large surface area relative to their volume facilitates efficient movement of substances. In histology, the study of microscopic tissue structure, identifying lemezsejtek is crucial for diagnosing various conditions, as changes in their appearance or arrangement can indicate disease. For example, in certain cancers, epithelial cells can lose their normal flattened shape and become more irregular. The term is primarily used in Hungarian scientific literature and discussions.