stratum corneum
The epidermis contains several layers of cells, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells. It also contains nerve endings, blood vessels, and hair follicles.
The stratum basale (basal layer) of the epidermis contains the only cells capable of dividing through mitosis. These cells are known as basal cells or basal keratinocytes and are responsible for replenishing the outer layers of the epidermis.
Cells are taller in the basal layer of the epidermis compared to the superficial layer. The basal layer, also known as the stratum basale, contains columnar or cuboidal keratinocytes that are actively dividing. In contrast, the cells in the superficial layers, such as the stratum corneum, are flattened and more irregular in shape as they undergo keratinization. This structural difference reflects the varying functions of these layers in skin health and protection.
The superficial thinner portion of the skin composed of epithelial tissue is called the epidermis. It acts as a protective barrier against pathogens and environmental factors and also helps regulate body temperature. The epidermis contains specialized cells such as keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells.
The layer of the epidermis that has pigment-producing melanocytes is the stratum basale (basal layer). Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, and transfer it to surrounding keratinocytes.
Cells are pushed into the stratum spinosum from the stratum basale. The stratum spinosum is the layer above the stratum basale in the epidermis and contains more differentiated keratinocytes.
Keratin is found in all the layers of the epidermis. Keratinocytes are filled with a tough, fibrous protein that protects the deeper layers of the skin. They are produced in the stratum germinativum and move through the layers of the epidermis towards the most outer layer, the stratum corneum.
We find it in the deepest layer of the epidermis called Stratum Basal in which the stem cells undergo Mitosis replacing keratinocytes lost at the stratum corneum, the apical surface of epidermis.
The integumentary system contains the dermis and epidermis.
The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, is often difficult to visualize under a standard microscope due to its thin, flattened, and keratinized cells. While the layer itself is composed of dead keratinocytes that provide a protective barrier, its cellular details are not easily discernible without specialized imaging techniques. Additionally, the dermis beneath the epidermis, which contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, is also not fully visible without more advanced microscopy.
The epidermis of humans is typically multilayered, with specialized cells like keratinocytes that produce keratin to provide protection. In invertebrates, the epidermis is usually a single layer of cells responsible for secretion of cuticle or exoskeleton for support and protection. Additionally, human epidermis often contains melanocytes responsible for pigmentation, which is not typically present in invertebrate epidermis.
The dermis is more cellular than the epidermis. The dermis contains a variety of cells, including fibroblasts, macrophages, and mast cells, which play important roles in maintaining the structure and function of the skin. In contrast, the epidermis primarily consists of keratinocytes, which are responsible for producing the protein keratin that helps to form the skin's protective barrier.