part of part of endo-epithelial cell epithelial cell of prostate 2010-09-07T01:49:29Z FMA:256163 Epithelial cells of the prostate, also known as prostatic epithelial cells, are specialized cells found in the prostate gland, which surrounds the male urethra beneath the bladder. They play a crucial role in forming the acini and ducts of the gland's structure. The prostate's epithelium has multiple layers, including basal, luminal, and neuroendocrine cells; the luminal layer is composed of columnar epithelial cells, and the basal layer is composed of cuboidal epithelial cells. Prostatic epithelial cells primarily aid in the production and secretion of prostatic fluid, a critical component of semen. This fluid, which accounts for around 20-30% of semen volume, serves several key functions related to fertility. The prostatic fluid is alkaline in nature that aids in neutralizing acidic vaginal secretions, promoting the survival of sperm in the female reproductive tract. It also contains proteolytic enzymes that, upon ejaculation, lead to the liquefaction of semen, enhancing the motility of sperm. Additionally, prostate epithelial cells are involved in the secretion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a kallikrein-like serine protease, which is a normal component of the seminal plasma further aids in semen liquefaction. Prostatic epithelial cells are also linked to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, which involves abnormal cell growth, and prostate cancer, which originates from prostatic epithelial cell transformations, especially in the peripheral zone. Consequently, these cells are key focal points in understanding and treating prostatic conditions and malignancies. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) FMA:66817 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002231 An epithelial cell of the prostate. prostate epithelial cell prostate gland