epithelial stem cell

Epithelial stem cells are a type of adult stem cell found in tissues that undergo continuous renewal, such as the skin's epidermis and the lining of the small intestine. These cells reside in specific niches within these tissues, like the basal layer of the epidermis or the crypts of the intestinal lining.1

Their primary role is to divide and produce new cells, ensuring the constant replenishment of specialized cells that are lost or damaged. For instance, in the skin, epithelial stem cells generate keratinocytes, which mature and move to the surface to be shed. In the small intestine, they produce various cell types that line the villi and are eventually sloughed off into the intestinal lumen. This continuous process of cell division and differentiation is vital for maintaining the integrity and function of these tissues.123