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| Stratified squamous epithelium | |
|---|---|
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 Section of the human skin showing the stratified squamous epithelial surface, referred to as the epidermis. The layer of keratin here is named the stratum corneum. | |
| Details | |
| Shape | Many layers of flat cells |
| Identifiers | |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.02025, H2.00.02.0.02030 |
| FMA | 45563 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
| This article is part of a series on |
| Epithelia |
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| Squamous epithelial cell |
| Columnar epithelial cell |
| Cuboidal epithelial cell |
| Specialised epithelia |
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| Other |
A stratified squamous epithelium consists of squamous (flattened) epithelial cells arranged in layers upon a basal membrane. Only one layer is in contact with the basement membrane; the other layers adhere to one another to maintain structural integrity. Although this epithelium is referred to as squamous, many cells within the layers may not be flattened; this is due to the convention of naming epithelia according to the cell type at the surface. In the deeper layers, the cells may be columnar or cuboidal.[1] There are no intercellular spaces. This type of epithelium is well suited to areas in the body subject to constant abrasion, as the thickest layers can be sequentially sloughed off and replaced before the basement membrane is exposed. It forms the outermost layer of the skin and the inner lining of the mouth, esophagus and vagina.[2]
In the epidermis of skin in mammals, reptiles, and birds, the layer of keratin in the outer layer of the stratified squamous epithelial surface is named the stratum corneum. Stratum corneum is made up of squamous cells which are keratinized and dead. These are shed periodically.
- ^ Tortora, Gerard J.; Derrickson, Bryan (22 November 2011). Introduction to the Human Body. The Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (9th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 84. ISBN 978-0470-59892-4.
[referring to stratified squamous epithelium] Description: Two or more layers of cells; cells in apical layer and several layers deep to it are squamous; those in the deep layers vary in shape from cuboidal to columnar.
- ^ Human Anatomy Laboratory Manual with Cat Dissections 7th Edition. Pearson. 18 February 2013. p. 58. ISBN 978-0-321-88418-3.