B. EPIDERMIS The epidermis is the outer, avascular layer of the integument.

(Skin, Thick, H&E) [#47]- Examine the epidermis which is composed of stratified squamous epithelium. Its deepest cells form a single layer of low columnar cells, the stratum basale. The next few layers are called stratum spinosum or the prickle-cell layer, so-called because contact points between adjacent cells are drawn out to form spines or prickles. These projections mutually form intercellular bridges (desmosomes) between the two adjacent cells. In the next layer, the stratum granulosum, the cells become somewhat dehydrated and laden with keratohyalin granules that stain deeply with H&E. This is the most superficial layer which contains living cells. In the next layer, the stratum lucidum consists of the dead cells which are flattened into a translucent mass. The most superficial epidermal layer is the stratum corneum which consists of desquamating, flattened, cornified, dead cells that contain keratin.

I n t e g u m e n t		10
	Slide Text B. EPIDERMIS The epidermis is the outer, avascular layer of the integument. (Skin, Thick, H&E) [#47]- Examine the epidermis which is composed of stratified squamous epithelium. Its deepest cells form a single layer of low columnar cells, the stratum basale. The next few layers are called stratum spinosum or the prickle-cell layer, so-called because contact points between adjacent cells are drawn out to form spines or prickles. These projections mutually form intercellular bridges (desmosomes) between the two adjacent cells. In the next layer, the stratum granulosum, the cells become somewhat dehydrated and laden with keratohyalin granules that stain deeply with H&E. This is the most superficial layer which contains living cells. In the next layer, the stratum lucidum consists of the dead cells which are flattened into a translucent mass. The most superficial epidermal layer is the stratum corneum which consists of desquamating, flattened, cornified, dead cells that contain keratin.