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. Stratified squamous epithelia usually have protective funtions: protection against easy invasion of underlying tissue by microorganisms and protection against water loss.
The slide shows an example of stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelia from the esophagus. The surface cells of non-keratinized epithelia are living cells. Non-keratinized surfaces must be kept moist by bodily secretions to prevent them from drying out. They usually secrete mucus as an additional protective and lubricating layer that is why they are seen in the esophagus and in parts of the female reproductive system.
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. Stratified squamous epithelia usually have protective funtions: protection against easy invasion of underlying tissue by microorganisms and protection against water loss.
The slide shows an example of stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelia from the esophagus. The surface cells of non-keratinized epithelia are living cells. Non-keratinized surfaces must be kept moist by bodily secretions to prevent them from drying out. They usually secrete mucus as an additional protective and lubricating layer that is why they are seen in the esophagus and in parts of the female reproductive system.