These may be positive for alpha smooth muscle actin and can contract and expel the secretions of exocrine glands.

In the case of wound healing, myoepithelial cells reactively proliferate.

Presence of myoepithelial cells in a hyperplastic tissue proves the benignity of the gland and, when absent, indicates cancer.

Only rare cancers like adenoid cystic carcinomas contains myoepithelial cells as one of the malignant components.

They help in expelling secretions from the lumen of secretory units and facilitate the movement of saliva in salivary ducts.