Basal epithelial cells are a type of epithelial cell that are found in various tissues throughout the body, including the skin, respiratory tract, and digestive system. They are typically located at the base or bottom of the epithelial layer and are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the tissue.

In the respiratory system, basal epithelial cells are found in the airways and play a key role in the regeneration and repair of damaged lung tissue. They are able to differentiate into other types of epithelial cells, such as ciliated cells or goblet cells, which are important for proper lung function.

They are also important in the development of certain types of cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells in the epidermis. In addition, changes in the behavior or function of basal epithelial cells can contribute to the development of other diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.