Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium - Kenhub

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Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium is a type of stratified epithelium that contains numerous layers of squamous cells, called keratinocytes, in which the superficial layer of cells is keratinized. This type of epithelium comprises the epidermis of the skin.

This epithelium contains 5 layers:

  • Stratum basale (stratum germinativum): contains the stem cells of the epidermis.
  • Stratum spinosum (prickle cell layer): contains cells that have migrated from the stratum basale.
  • Stratum granulosum: contains cells rich in keratohyalin granules.
  • Stratum lucidum: only found in thick skin (palm of hand, sole of foot).
  • Stratum corneum: contains keratinized cells, dead cells lacking nuclei and filled with keratin filaments.

Keratinization refers to the process of maturation during which the cells produced in the basal layer migrate to the stratum corneum where they degenerate and are shed off.

Besides the skin, the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium is also found in areas of the oral mucosa that are subject to frictional stress, such as the gingiva, hard palate and parts of the tongue. The keratinized epithelium in the oral mucosa is similar to the epidermis, except that it lacks the stratum lucidum.

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