Epithelial Cell Polarity

Epithelial Cell Polarity

High Polarization of Epithelial Cells

• Epithelial cells are characterized by a highly polarized structure.
• This polarization implies an asymmetrical distribution of their cell membrane components.

Defining Cellular Poles

• Apical pole: This refers to the "top" or summit of the cell's membrane, oriented towards the exterior environment.
• Basal pole: This is the portion of the membrane located near the basal lamina, oriented towards the interior environment.
• Lateral faces: These are the cellular extremities that are oriented towards adjacent cells.

Polarity in Multilayered Tissues

• In a tissue formed by multiple cellular layers, cellular polarity is defined in relation to:
  • The surface (exterior).
  • Adjacent cells.
  • The basal membrane (basal lamina).

Orientation of Each Pole

• The apical pole is the cell extremity facing the external environment.
• The basal pole is the cell extremity facing the internal environment.
• The lateral faces are the extremities oriented towards adjacent cells.