Epidermis

Epidermis

Stratified squamous epithelium, most superifcial layer of skin

Keratinocytes

Cells that produce keratin, function in protection and produce lamellar granules, dead and most abundant

Melanocytes

Cells that produce melanin and absorb UV light, alive

Intraepidermal Macrophages (Langerhans)

Cells that participate in immune response, alive

Tactile Epithelial Cells (Merkel)

Cells that produce response of light touch, least numerous, alive

Stratum Basale

Deepest layer of epidermis, single row of cuboidal or columnar keratinocytes and stem cells, not able to regenerate

Stratum Spinosum

Second deepest layer, 8-10 layers, Intraepidermal macrophages and melanocytes, provide strength and flexibility

Stratum Granulosum

Third deepest layer, 3-5 layers of flattened keratinocytes, cells die, has lamellar granules

Stratum Lucidum

Only in thick skin (palms and soles), 3-5 layers of clear, flat, dead keratinocytes

Stratum Corneum

Most superficial layer, 25-30 layers of dead, flat keratinocytes

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death

Macrophage

White blood cell