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Stratified Squamous

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Microscopic image of stratified squamous epithelium, vagina, using Masson's trichrome stain. Top has a red superficial layer showing flattened cells with elongated nuclei. Progressing downward, cell layers transition to polygonal shapes with darker nuclei, all in shades of pink. Blue-stained connective tissue extends into the epithelium at bottom.
Figure 1: Stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina, stained with Masson’s trichrome. Shows cell layers and connective tissue.

Stratified squamous epithelium is a type of epithelial tissue. It is characterized by multiple layers of cells. The upper layer cells are flattened and scale-like (squamous). Cells in the deeper layers are more cuboidal or columnar. This epithelium is well-suited for providing protection against mechanical stress, abrasion, and pathogens.  

Cell Shape

The cells in the outer layers (superficial layers) are flattened and scale-like (squamous). In contrast, the cells in the deeper layers (basal layers) may be cuboidal or columnar.

Layering

This type of epithelia has many layers of these cells.

Function

Stratified squamous epithelium provides protection against mechanical stress, abrasion, and pathogens. It forms a barrier that helps prevent damage to underlying tissues and organs.

Locations

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium is found in areas subjected to significant mechanical stress. It is also found in abrasion-prone areas, such as the epidermis (outer layer) of the skin. The outermost layers are composed of dead, keratinized cells filled with the protein keratin. These cells provide additional protection against water loss. They also prevent microbial invasion.  Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium lacks the layer of keratinized cells found in the epidermis. It is found in areas that need protection. These areas also require flexibility and moisture retention. Examples include the lining of the oral cavity, esophagus, vagina, and anal canal.

Specializations

Depending on their location and function, stratified squamous epithelial cells may undergo specialized processes. One example is keratinization (formation of keratin) in the epidermis. This process provides additional protection and waterproofing.

A high-magnification microscopic image depicts stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina, stained with H&E that highlights cellular structures in various shades of pink and purple. Flattened, squamous cells form the superficial layer, transitioning to cuboidal basal cells along the basement membrane. The image is composed to showcase cellular morphology and organization.
Figure 2: Microscopic view of stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina
Histological section of cervical stratified squamous epithelium, stained with H&E, is oriented diagonally across the frame. The well-defined squamous cells with visible nuclei layers toward the upper left, transition into disorganized inflammatory cells with amorphous purple deposits with a light pink background on the lower right. Overall frame: Light pink and dark purple cells with a white upper left and bottom right background.
Figure 3: Stratified squamous epithelium of the cervix.
Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histological section of thick skin. The image displays stratified squamous epithelium, characterized by multiple layers of flattened cells stained various shades of pink. Cellular nuclei are also visible. The layout presents a well-defined margin with uniform illumination.
Figure 4: Microscopic view of thick skin (of the palms or soles of feet) with stratified squamous epithelium.
Illustration showing stratified squamous epithelium with labeled layers including stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale, with a section of dermis labeled as dermal papilla.
Illustration showing stratified squamous epithelium with labeled layers including stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale, with a section of dermis labeled as dermal papilla.

View the Slide Yourself

Access this slide from the Histology Guide:
https://www.histologyguide.com/slideview/MH-091-thick-skin/02-slide-1.html
The purple tab on the right opens a panel with information and links.

Figure 1: Vagina, Masson trichrome stain, 40X Slide 250-2
Figure 2: Vagina, H&E, 40X Slide 250-1
Figure 3: Ovary, monkey, H&E, 40X Slide 239
Figure 4: Thick skin, sole of foot, H&E, 40X Slide 106
All by University of Michigan Histology, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

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General Information
Simple Squamous
Stratified Squamous
Simple Cuboidal
Stratified Cuboidal
Simple Columnar
Stratified Columnar
Transitional
Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar

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