stratum spinosum

Layer of polyhedral cells in the epidermis. Histology: - shrinkage artifacts & adhesions at desmosomal junctions results in a spiny or prickly appearance of the cells in this layer 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