A student in a histology class was asked to describe the structure of a stratified squamous epithelium. Which one of the following is the best description?

A) tissue composed of protein fibers in a ground substance and a few cells
B) tissue composed of one layer of flat cells located on a basement membrane
C) tissue composed of contracting protein fibers enclosed by plasma membranes
D) tissue composed of several layers of tall cells resting on a basement membrane
E) tissue composed of several layers of flat cells resting on a basement membrane