Question

Stratified squamous epithelium is found in
A) Trachea
B) Epidermis
C) Mouth cavity
D) Lining of blood vessels

Answer 1

Hint: Stratified squamous epithelium acts as a protective layer of the body. It can be keratinized or non-keratinized. Epidermis is the outer skin layer which has keratinocytes inside it. It is impermeable. Trachea has pseudostratified lining of tissues. Endothelium lining is present in blood vessels.

Complete answer:
Epithelial cells arranged in layers upon a basal membrane form stratified squamous epithelium. Only one layer is in contact with the basal rest attached with one another. Most of the cells of these tissues are not flattened. Deeper layer consists of columnar or cuboidal cells. No intercellular space is present between them. They have mainly two types of structures that are keratinized or non-keratinized.
Trachea is lined by pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue. It is ciliated and includes mucus secreting goblet cells. Mouth or buccal cavity is lined by stratified squamous epithelium that is not keratinized. Lining of blood vessels is endothelium. It is a thin layer of simple squamous cells. Epidermis which is the epithelial layer of skin is primarily a protective layer. It consists of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. It is impermeable and self replacing. It is formed by keratinocytes, a principle cell type. For example: skin, epidermis of the palm of the hand, sole of feet.
From the above information we have found that stratified squamous epithelium is in epidermis.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Respiratory glands secrete mucus into the nasal cavity which helps to trap airborne pathogens. Non- keratinized epithelium is found in some parts of the oral cavity, conjunctiva of eye, esophagus and external female genital. Keratin protein is deposited on the surface of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. It is impermeable and dry. Epidermis provides a waterproof barrier.