Palate lining. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the lining of a palate (the roof of the mouth). The regular arrangement of the cells of the squamous, or pavement epithelium that covers the palate is seen here. Squamous epithelium covers the external surface of the body and lines most of the hollow internal structures. These flat, scale-like cells are covered with microvilli (white), hair-like structures that increase the surface area of the cells. Magnification: x500 at 6x7cm size.