EPITHECA
Ep`i*the"ca, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A continuous and, usually, structureless layer which covers more or less of the exterior of many corals.
EPITHELIAL
Ep`i*the"li*al, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to epithelium; as, epithelial cells; epithelial cancer.
EPITHELIOID
Ep`i*the"li*oid, a. Etym: [Epithelium + -oid.] (Anat.)
Defn: Like epithelium; as, epithelioid cells.
EPITHELIOMA
Ep`i*the`li*o"ma, n. Etym: [NL. See Epithelium, and -oma.] (Med.)
Defn: A malignant growth containing epithelial cells; — called also epithelial cancer.
EPITHELIUM
Ep`i*the"li*um, n.; pl. E. Epitheliums, L. Epithelia. Etym: [NL., fr.
Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: The superficial layer of cells lining the alimentary canal and all its appendages, all glands and their ducts, blood vessels and lymphatics, serous cavities, etc. It often includes the epidermis (i. e., keratin-producing epithelial cells), and it is sometimes restricted to the alimentary canal, the glands and their appendages, — the term endothelium being applied to the lining membrane of the blood vessels, lymphatics, and serous cavities.