Answer
There are two types of stratified squamous epithelium--keratinized and non-keratinized:
Keratinized squamous epithelium. This type of tissue consists of several layer of flat cells which are flatter and more scale-like near the surface. At the top is a layer of closely packed cell without nuclei. Cell of the basal layer may be cuboid or columnar. Baal cells retain mitotic capacity.
This type of tissue may be found in epidermis of skin, on palms, and on soles of feet. It protects underlying tissue from damage by abrasion, and also opposes invasion by pathogenic organisms.
Work Step by Step
The non-keratinized form of this type of tissue also comprises multiple layers of cells which are flatter towards the outer surface. However, in this variety there is no layer of flattened dead cells. The basal cells are stem cells which replace cells lost from the upper layers. The tongue, oral mucosa, anal canal, and urethra are sites where this type of tissue exists. It resists physical damage by abrasion and protects against penetration by pathogens.
