epidermal layers

basement membrane

ECM that seperates dermis from epidermis

stratum basale

bottom layer of the epidermis ontop of basement membrane

cells are connected to the membrane basement membrane by hemidesmosomes 

contains keartinocytes stem cells to create new keartinocytes

mealoncytes here to make melanin

stratum spinosum

8-10 layers of recently born keratinocytes. As these cells move superficially, they begin to flatten and produce a fiber called keratin.

stratum granulosum

2-5 layers of flattened cells here is where they die

stratum lucidium

3-5 layers of dead and transparent cells. only present in thick skin

stratum cornium

25 or more layers of dead squamous cells and keratin fibers. These layers prevent water loss and protect against abrasion