Stratififed Squamous Epithelium

Stratified Squamous Epithelium Appearance

• Cells form layers like plywood or pancakes in upper layers

• Lower layers may look cuboidal or columnar

• Cells furthest from nutrition are thinner, and less active.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium Features

• Located where mechanical or chemical stresses are severe

• All forms protect against microbes

• Apical cells are packed with keratin in places where mechanical stress

and dehydration are a major issue– makes the surface tough and

waterproof.

Stratified Squamous Epithelium Specialised Subtypes

• Keratinised

• Non-keratinised

Non-Keratinised Stratified Squamous Epithelium Location

• mouth

• throat

• tongue

• esophagus

• anus

• vagina

• flattened at the the apical surface

Non-Keratinised Stratified Squamous Epithelium Function

• Protection from abrasion

• defence from microbes

• require secretions from glands

• wet trauma areas

Keratinised Stratified Squamous Epithelium

• skin

• dry trauma areas