| Myoepithelial cell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | myoepitheliocytus |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.03059 |
| FMA | 67799 67805, 67799 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Myoepithelial cells (sometimes referred to asmyoepithelium) are cells usually found inglandular epithelium as a thin layer above thebasement membrane but generally beneath theluminal cells. These may be positive foralpha smooth muscleactin and can contract and expel thesecretions ofexocrine glands. They are found in thesweat glands,mammary glands,lacrimal glands, andsalivary glands. Myoepithelial cells in these cases constitute thebasal cell layer of anepithelium that harbors the epithelialprogenitor. In the case of wound healing, myoepithelial cells reactivelyproliferate. Presence of myoepithelial cells in ahyperplastic tissue proves the benignity of the gland and, when absent, indicatescancer. Only rare cancers likeadenoid cystic carcinomas containsmyoepithelial cells as one of themalignant components.
It can be found inendoderm orectoderm.[1]
Myoepithelial cells are trueepithelial cells positive forkeratins, not to be confused withmyofibroblasts which are truemesenchymal cells positive forvimentin. These cells are generally positive foralpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA),cytokeratin 5/6 and other highmolecular weight cytokeratins,p63 andcaldesmon.Myoepithelial cells are stellate in shape and are also known as basket cells.They lie between the basement membrane and glandular epithelium.Each cell consists of a cell body from which 4-8 processes radiate and embrace the secretory unit. Myoepithelial cells have contractile functions. They help in expelling secretions from the lumen of secretory units and facilitate the movement of saliva in salivary ducts.
List of distinct cell types in the adult human body
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