epidermis

Thin outer layer of skin made up of epithelial cells that keratinize with migration to the surface. Structure: Layers of epidermis (from the surface) include: 1) stratum corneum (keratin {horny} layer) 2) stratum lucidum (clear layer) <palms & soles> 3) stratum granulosum (granular layer) 4) stratum spinosum (prickle cell layer) 5) stratum basale (basal cell layer)

References

Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.

Components

stratum basale (basal cell layer) stratum corneum (keratin {horny} layer) stratum germinativum unguis stratum granulosum (granular layer) stratum lucidum stratum spinosum