Mesothelial Cells: Protecting Body Cavities and Organs

Mesothelial cells are a type of cell that lines the inner surface of certain body cavities and organs. These cells produce a substance called mesothelin, which is a glycoprotein that helps to protect the underlying tissue from damage.

Mesothelial cells are found in several locations throughout the body, including:

1. Pleura: The lining of the lungs and chest cavity, known as the pleura, is composed of mesothelial cells.
2. Peritoneum: The lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum, is also composed of mesothelial cells.
3. Pericardium: The lining of the heart sac, known as the pericardium, is composed of mesothelial cells.
4. Tunica serosa: The lining of the organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys, is composed of mesothelial cells.

Mesothelial cells play an important role in maintaining the integrity of these body cavities and protecting the underlying tissue from damage. They also produce substances that help to lubricate the surfaces of these cavities and facilitate movement between the organs and the surrounding tissues.

In addition to their protective functions, mesothelial cells have been implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. For example, mesothelioma is a type of cancer that arises from the mesothelial cells lining the pleura or peritoneum.