Final answer:
A stratified epithelium consists of several stacked layers of cells which protect against physical and chemical wear and tear. Stratified squamous epithelium is the most common type in the human body, with apical cells being squamous and the basal layer consisting of columnar or cuboidal cells. Additionally, there are other types of stratified epithelium like stratified cuboidal and stratified columnar, found in specific glands and ducts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A stratified epithelium consists of several stacked layers of cells. This epithelium protects against physical and chemical wear and tear. The stratified epithelium is named by the shape of the most apical layer of cells, closest to the free space. Stratified squamous epithelium is the most common type of stratified epithelium in the human body. The apical cells are squamous, whereas the basal layer contains either columnar or cuboidal cells. The top layer may be covered with dead cells filled with keratin. Mammalian skin is an example of this dry, keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium. The lining of the mouth cavity is an example of an unkeratinized, stratified squamous epithelium. Stratified cuboidal epithelium and stratified columnar epithelium can also be found in certain glands and ducts, but are uncommon in the human body.