  in anatomy, a squamous epithelium (from latin squama, "scale") is an epithelium whose most superficial layer consists of flat, scale-like cells called squamous epithelial cells. the epithelium may be composed of one layer of these cells, in which case it is referred to as simple squamous epithelium, or it may possess multiple layers, referred to then as stratified squamous epithelium. squamous epithelial cells have a polygonal appearance when viewed from above. ==see also== * gastrulation ==references==  ==external links== * simple squamous epithelium of the glomerulus (kidney) *diagrams of simple squamous epithelium * stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina * stratified squamous epithelium of the skin (thin skin) * stratified squamous epithelium of the skin (thick skin) * stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus *research news about squamous cell 
Epithelial_cells