The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of the body. It is capable of obtaining energy and processing nutrients. It is the smallest part capable of the processes that define life, including reproduction, movement, respiration, digestion and excretion. However, not every cell has all these abilities.

How small is a cell? Believe it or not, you can actually fit about 40 cells in a row stretched across a period (full stop)! There are more than 200 types of specialized cells that populate the human body. Some cells develop with their own kinds to form a specific types of tissue and in some other cases, tissues are made of several different types of cells combined.

Types of Human Cells

Cells come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their specialized functions within tissues. Some cells divide faster than others, for example, the epithelial (covering and lining) cells divide the fastest while the nerve cells is so slow that it is almost non-existent.

Examples of cell types:

• Epithelial Cells

Epithelial Cell

These cells form the skin, cover most organs and line hollow cavities. They divide rapidly to replace
themselves because they are subjected to friction, compression and physical wear.

• Photoreceptor Cell

Photoreceptor Cell

A light-sensitive cell that shapes like a cone. It is found in the retina of the eye. They are activated by
bright light and are responsible for color perception.

• Red Blood Cell

Red Blood cells

The red cell is a bag of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin molecules.

• Adipose (Fats) Cell

Fat Cell

These cells are bulky and crammed with fat lipids which store energy in case the diet cannot meet
requirements.

• Smooth Muscle Cell

smooth muscle cell

These are large, elongated, spindle-like shaped muscle fibers cells. The shape allows for contraction
by means of sliding strands of protein inside.

• Nerve Cells

Nerve Cell

This elongated-shaped cell’s basic function is to transmit information rapidly between different parts of the body.

• Sperm Cells

Sperm Cell

A sperm cell is a male reproductive cell containing a single set of 23 chromosomes. They contain half the DNA genetic information of the person. These cells do not divide and have a limited life span.

• Ovum (egg) Cells

Ovum Cell

It is the reproductive cell of the female. Like the sperm cell of the male, it contains a set of 23 chromosomes and half the DNA genetic information of the person.