Stratified squamous epithelium:
• Made up of many layers of flattened cells, designed to protect underlying layers
• Named for the shape of the outermost layers of cells, which are composed of squamous cells
• Cuboidal cells in the deeper layers divide, and push the older cells outward, where they begin to flatten
• Makes up the outer layer of skin (epidermis), and lines the
mouth, esophagus, vagina, and anal canal
• In the skin, outer layers of cells undergo keratinization,
producing a dry, water-proof, protective layer, in which outer
cells are dead
• Keratinization does not occur in areas in which tissues remain moist and alive: oral cavity, esophagus, vagina, or anal canal