 Examples of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium include corneal epithelium, lining mucosa of oral cavity, esophagus, anal canal, ectocervix, vagina, foreskin, and the internal portion of the lips.Even non-keratinized surfaces, consisting as they do of keratinocytes, have a minor superficial keratinized layer of varying thickness, depending on the age of the epithelium and the damage it has experienced.Keratinized surfaces are protected from abrasion by keratin and kept hydrated and protected from dehydration by glycolipids produced in the stratum granulosum.