epithelial cell A cell that is usually found in a two-dimensional sheet with a free surface. The cell has a cytoskeleton that allows for tight cell to cell contact and for cell polarity where apical part is directed towards the lumen and the basal part to the basal lamina. BTO:0000414 epitheliocyte FMA:66768 WBbt:0003672 CALOHA:TS-2026 CARO:0000077 eukaryotic cell