HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

In which tissue type would you find keratin?

1. Ciliated epithelium

2. Simple cuboidal epithelium

3. Stratified squamous epithelium

4. Transitional epithelium

The correct answer is: Stratified squamous epithelium

Stratified squamous epithelium is characterized by multiple layers of cells, with the outermost layer typically containing keratin, a tough and protective protein. This type of epithelial tissue is found in areas subjected to significant friction and abrasion, such as the skin, where keratin provides a barrier against environmental damage and helps retain moisture. In contrast, ciliated epithelium primarily has hair-like structures (cilia) that help in the movement of substances across the surface but does not primarily serve to protect against mechanical stress in the same way. Simple cuboidal epithelium is generally involved in secretion and absorption, lacking keratinization. Transitional epithelium, found in the urinary bladder, is designed to stretch and does not have keratin. Thus, the presence of keratin is a defining feature of stratified squamous epithelium, making it the correct choice in this context.