What is the Difference Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell

The main difference between basal cell and squamous cell is that the basal cell occurs in the innermost layer of the epidermis while the squamous cell occurs in the surface layers of the epidermis. Furthermore, the main function of the basal cell is to produce new cells via cell division while the main function of the squamous cells is to protect the body parts from mechanical damage and friction.

Basal cell and squamous cell are two types of cell that occur in different layers of the epidermis. However, both cells are important since they can form cancers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Basal Cell
     – Definition, Function, Carcinoma
2. What is Squamous Cell
     – Definition, Function, Carcinoma
3. What are the Similarities Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Abrasion, Basal Cell, Epidermis, Production of New Cells, Squamous Cell

What is Basal Cell

A basal cell is a type of cell that occurs in the deepest epidermis. It is involved in the formation of the basal cell layer, which produces new cells for the epidermis. Therefore, the basal cell layer serves as a stem cell layer. Generally, basal cells are round in shape. Apart from the skin, a basal cell layer occurs in each type of epithelial tissue, forming new epithelial cells via cell division.

Figure 1: Cross Section of the Epidermis

Besides, basal cells in sun-exposed areas of the skin can cause cancers called basal cell carcinoma. The cancers in the basal cells are the most common type of skin cancers. They can spread into the underneath layers of the skin to the bones and other tissues if they are left untreated.

What is Squamous Cell

A squamous cell is a type of cell that occurs in the outermost layers of the epidermis. Hence, it is a component of the stratified squamous epithelium. Also, squamous cells are thin and flat. They look like fish scales. Furthermore, the skin constantly shed these cells and the new cells produced by the basal cell layer replace the loss. The main function of the squamous cells is to protect the body from abrasion.

Figure 2: Stratified Squamous Epithelium

Besides, the squamous cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancers that occur in sun-exposed areas. Sometimes, these cancers begin with the actinic keratosis, a pre-invasive skin condition caused by the excessive exposure to the sunlight. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma tends to spread into the underneath layers of the skin very easily.

Similarities Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell

• Basal cell and squamous cell are two types of cells that make cell layers of the epidermis.
• Also, both types of cells in the sun-exposed areas of the skin can develop cancers.

Difference Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell

Definition

Basal cell refers to one of the innermost cells of the deeper epidermis of the skin while squamous cell refers to the cells on the surface of the skin. Hence, this is the main difference between basal cell and squamous cell. 

Shape

Shape is another difference between basal cell and squamous cell. Basal cells are round while squamous cells are thin and flat, and look like fish scales.

Layers

Furthermore, the basal cells form the basal cell layer while several layers of squamous cells occur in the epidermis.

Main Function

The main function of the basal cells is to produce new cells while the main function of the squamous cells is to protect internal body parts from friction and mechanical damages. Therefore, this is a major difference between basal cell and squamous cell. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, basal cell is a type of cell found in the deepest layer of the epidermis, forming the basal cell layer. The basal cell layer contains rounded cells responsible for the production of new cells for the epidermis. On the other hand, a squamous cell is a type of cell found in the outermost layer of the epidermis. There are several layers of the squamous cells, which are responsible for the protection of the body from abrasion. Here, the main difference between basal cell and squamous cell is their function.

Reference:

1. “What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers?” American Cancer Society, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Layers of the Skin” By Don Bliss (Illustrator) (Public Domain) via NIH
2. ” Epithelial Tissues Stratified Squamous Epithelium (40230842160)” By Berkshire Community College Bioscience Image Library – Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Squamous Epithelium (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia