Histology Photomicrographs

Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL& 241L-242L)
Karen Hart, Peninsula College

• Epithelial tissue
  • Simple squamous epithelium
  • Simple cuboidal epithelium
  • Simple columnar epithelium
  • Pseudostratified epithelium
  • Stratified squamous epithelium
  • Transitional epithelium
• Connective tissue proper
• Skin
• Cartilage and bone
• Skeletal muscle, smooth muscle
• Nervous system
• Cardiovascular system
• Lymphatic system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Urinary system
• Reproductive system
•  
• Histology home page

Epithelial tissue: Stratified squamous epithelium

Example: A stratified squamous epithelium forms the lining of the mouth and the lining of the esophagus.

A stratified epithelium is an epithelium that is made up of a number of layers of cells. A stratified squamous epithelium is made up of a number of layers and the cells of the outer layers are flat (squamous).

In the deepest layer new cells are produced by the division of stem cells. Cells are gradually pushed toward the surface by the production of newer cells. Cells in the deep layers are basically cuboidal but become more and more flat as they are pushed toward the surface. Cells at the surface detach.

The arrow indicates the basal layer of the epithelium.