Epithelial Cell Adhesion and Permeability

Epithelial Cell Adhesion

• Epithelial cells are tightly adhered to each other to maintain cellular structural integrity.

• In addition to cell-to-cell adhesion, these cells are tightly adhered to the basement membrane beneath them.

Epithelial Transport and Permeability

• As a consequence of these adhesion properties, the epithelium acts as a selective barrier.

• Some substances are able to cross easily from one side of the epithelium to the other side.