Findings

Stratified squamous epithelium consists of cells arranged in multiple layers with basal cells that are cuboidal in shape and apical cells that are squamous. Stratified epithelia are named by the shape of the apical cells, hence the designation squamous.

Comment

Since the apical cells contain nuclei, this is a nonkeratinized, stratified squamous epithelium, characteristic of mucous membranes subject to friction and mechanical abrasion, such as portions of the oral cavity, esophagus and vaginal barrel. The apical cells of the keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium of the skin lack nuclei.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

Medium-power light microscopy

Specimen

Esophageal mucosa

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego