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"Cheek cells make up your cheeks. Without them, humans would be cheek-less.

That's a very "tongue-in-cheek" response (hold for applause). Your cheek cells belong to a very specific group of cells that form every component of your body. These cells are usually called the, "Mucous Membrane". Note that "mucous" (secretory and non-keratinized) does not equal "mucus" (snot). Compare the inside of your cheek (with your tongue) and the outside of your cheek (with your finger; or your tongue, if you're able!). The inside is velvety, soft, smooth and moist. The outside is dry, firm and maybe pimply (depending on your age!). There really is only one difference between these surfaces: the inside surface is missing the gene that tells it to dry-out and harden.

The technical name for the cells on your cheek (both inside and outside) is "Stratified (stacked) Squamous (flat) Epithelium (external covering cells)". There's an extra term added by the biologists to further differentiate between the two: The inside of your mouth is "non-keratinized" and the outside (your external cheek) is "Keratinized".

It's important that the inside of your mouth is non-keratinized, because within that "skin" (more properly, tissue, since "Skin" generally refers to the keratinized type) exists various glands that secrete, among other things, saliva. Saliva not only lubricates your mouth and makes it possible to swallow dry food, it also contains enzymes that begin the digestion process.

Other tissues in your body that are similar (although not identical...not entirely anyway) to your inner cheek are: Pharynx (upper throat), larynx (voice-box), esophagus (swallowing throat), trachea (breathing throat) and your gastointestinal system (your gut). There are some very specific modifications that occur within those previously mentioned organs, but the fact is: your body loves water, and it will only put these delicate, useful and moist membranes where it can protect them from drying out in the atmosphere! (Ever wondered what your lips were for?)

Cheek cells also play a role in determining the sex and chromosomal abnormality. Using cheek cells we can demonstrate Barr bodies which are inactivated or heterochromatinized or dose compensated X chromosome. Number of Barr bodies correlate with clinical conditions. Normally females have 1 barr body and males do not have any barr body. In case of Turners syndrome in females with chromosome complement 45, xo has "zero" barr body and in Klinefelters syndrome (47, xxy) seen in males has 1 barr body. In superfemales, supermales and polyploid conditions the number of bar rbodies increases.

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Do saliva have sperm cells?

If you're meaning saliva, as in the substance produced in your mouth, then no. A sperm cell is the male reproductive cell, or the male gamete, which conjoins with the female ovum to form a zygote and eventually a fetus, baby etc. They contain 23 chromosomes, including an X or Y to determine the sex, which will conjoin with the ovum's 23 chromosomes to determine the characteristics of the child. Sperm cells are only produced within the male testes and are therefore not present in saliva.


How were the cheek cells and Elodea cells the same?

The cheek cell is an animal cell and the Elodea cell is a plant cell. Both cells have have a Nucleus, Nucleolus, Nuclear Membrane, Mitochondrion, Centrosome, Rough ER, Smooth ER, Ribosomes, Golgi body, Cell membrane, Cytoplasm and Vacuole. However, there are some parts that the animal cell have that a plant cell does not and there are some parts a plant cell have that an animal cell does not. You can look at the pictures in the URLs [related links].


Why do I have more white blood cells than red?

White blood cells are part of your immune system and help fight off infections and diseases. They are typically more numerous than red blood cells because they play a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful invaders.


What enzymes are contained in saliva?

Amylase and lysozyme are enzymes found in the saliva. The former initiates the breakdown of starch into smaller carboydrate units, while the latter inhibits bacterial growth in the oral cavity. There are several other pathogen inhibiting enzymes in saliva. Saliva also contains a lipase enzyme for the breakdown of lipids, but it is not very active until it reaches the low pH of the stomach. Saliva also contains ptyalin.


What do T cells protect the body against?

T cells play a crucial role in protecting the body against infections by recognizing and destroying infected cells. They also help regulate the immune response by producing cytokines that signal other immune cells to help fight infections. Additionally, T cells can target and destroy cancerous cells to prevent the spread of cancer in the body.

Related Questions

Are immunoglobulins present in saliva?

Yes, immunoglobulins such as IgA are present in saliva. These antibodies play a role in protecting the mucosal surfaces in the mouth from infections and pathogens.


Does protein protect cells from foreign material?

Proteins play a major part in protecting our cells and our body.


Is saliva apathetic?

Saliva is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth. In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells, enzymes, antimicrobial agents. The enzymes found in saliva are essential in beginning the process of digestion of dietary starches and fats. These enzymes also play a role in breaking down food particles entrapped within dental crevices, thus protecting teeth from bacterial decay. Saliva also performs a lubricating function, wetting food and permitting the initiation of swallowing, and protecting the oral mucosa from drying out. Various animal species have special uses for saliva that go beyond predigestion. Some swifts use their gummy saliva to build nests. Aerodramus nests form the basis of bird's nest soup. Cobras, vipers, and certain other members of the venom clade hunt with venomous saliva injected by fangs.


Blood cells that play a major role in protecting the body from foreign subsatnces and microscopic organisms?

white blood cells


How is Red blood cell similar to cheek cell?

Red blood cells and cheek cells are both types of human cells that share fundamental characteristics, such as being eukaryotic and containing cellular organelles. They both play vital roles in the body; red blood cells are primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide, while cheek cells contribute to the structure and protection of the oral cavity. Additionally, both cell types can be observed under a microscope, revealing their distinct shapes and structures. However, they differ significantly in function and morphology, with red blood cells being anucleate and specialized for transport, while cheek cells are nucleated and involved in tissue protection.


Which of the following is a function common to both copper and selenium?

Both copper and selenium are essential trace minerals that serve as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes in the body. They both play a role in protecting cells against oxidative stress and promoting overall health.


Do saliva have sperm cells?

If you're meaning saliva, as in the substance produced in your mouth, then no. A sperm cell is the male reproductive cell, or the male gamete, which conjoins with the female ovum to form a zygote and eventually a fetus, baby etc. They contain 23 chromosomes, including an X or Y to determine the sex, which will conjoin with the ovum's 23 chromosomes to determine the characteristics of the child. Sperm cells are only produced within the male testes and are therefore not present in saliva.


How were the cheek cells and Elodea cells the same?

The cheek cell is an animal cell and the Elodea cell is a plant cell. Both cells have have a Nucleus, Nucleolus, Nuclear Membrane, Mitochondrion, Centrosome, Rough ER, Smooth ER, Ribosomes, Golgi body, Cell membrane, Cytoplasm and Vacuole. However, there are some parts that the animal cell have that a plant cell does not and there are some parts a plant cell have that an animal cell does not. You can look at the pictures in the URLs [related links].


What role do these cells play in protecting your body now and from any future attacks by the same organisms?

That's some BS look for the answer lol may god bless you


What are Paneth cells?

Paneth cells are one of the four principal cells that represent the epithelium of the small intestines. Paneth cells are attached to stem cells and may play an important role in protecting them.


Why do I have more white blood cells than red?

White blood cells are part of your immune system and help fight off infections and diseases. They are typically more numerous than red blood cells because they play a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful invaders.


When did baseball player Harry Cheek play?

Harry Cheek debuted on April 30, 1910 and played his final game on May 12, 1910.