Coelomic epithelium

Coelomic epithelium refers to the epithelium that lines the surface of the body wall and abdominal organs. It constitutes the outermost layer of the male and female gonads, thus forming the germinal epithelium of the female or of the male. It is also called the germinal epithelium of Waldeyer or sometimes the superficial epithelial cells in embryology. It is often encountered in the medical setting as an important source of various types of ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal serous cancer and endometriosis (coelomic metaplasia).