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endothelium vs. epithelium

endothelium vs. epithelium: What's the difference?

Endothelium is a type of epithelium. Epithelium is animal tissue, such as skin, that covers a surface or lines a cavity and performs secretory, transporting, or regulatory functions. Endothelium is composed of a single layer of smooth, thin cells that lines the heart, blood vessels, lymphatics, and serous cavities.

[en-doh-thee-lee-uhm] / ˌɛn doʊˈθi li əm /

noun

plural

endothelia
  1. a type of epithelium composed of a single layer of smooth, thin cells that lines the heart, blood vessels, lymphatics, and serous cavities.

[ep-uh-thee-lee-uhm] / ˌɛp əˈθi li əm /

noun

Biology.

plural

epitheliums, epithelia
  1. any plant or animal tissue that covers a surface or lines a cavity, and that also performs any of various secretory, transporting, or regulatory functions.