Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

is found in the cornea and conjunctiva, in the mucous membranes of oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, vagina, and in a portion of the urethra

Cornea

(hematoxylin and eosin)

The anterior (external) corneal surface is covered by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. It is classified into:

• basal layer; the cells are attached to their basement membrane, their shape is cuboidal or columnar, the nuclei are rounded; these cells divide from time to time and then move into the next layer
• prickle cell layer (stratum spinosum) comprises polygonal cells. Moving outwards, their rounded cell nuclei become elliptic and elongated
• superficial layer is constituted by flattened cells with band-shaped hyperchromatic nuclei that are parallel to the surface; the outermost superficial cells of the layer die and then are removed from the epithelial stratum through desquamation

The posterior (internal) corneal surface has a layer of simple squamous epithelium that is attached to a very thick and thus easily visible basement membrane.

Unlike epithelia of other organs, corneal epithelia contact the dense connective tissue.

Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium

Soft palate

(hematoxylin and eosin)

The oral surface of the soft palate is covered by a non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium containing three layers.

Columnar epithelial cells of the basal layer have elliptical, elongated nuclei that are parallel to the basement membrane.

Polygonal cells of the stratum spinosum are larger; they contain rounded or elliptic nuclei. The cells are joined by short projections (prickles) originating from cell wrinkling due to the histological fixation. The prickles correspond to the positioning of desmosomes. The basal layer and parabasal portion of stratum spinosum have some dividing cells #1, #2.

Flattened epithelial cells of the superficial layer have elongated hyperchromatic nuclei lying along the stratum axis. The outermost cells undergo desquamation.

Under the basement membrane, there is some loose connective tissue with blood capillaries #1, #2, #3 and some larger blood vessels #1, #2.