Tongue epithelium. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface epithelium of the tongue. The tongue is the muscular organ specialised for manipulating food and for the sensation of taste. Its surface is composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells (flattened appearance). Dead cells of the uppermost epithelial layer are constantly being shed and replaced (desquamation). Here this shedding gives the tongue surface a scaly appearance. Magnification: unknown.