CORNIFIED STRATIFIED SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM – 5
The skin is covered by an epithelial layer called epidermis. iT is made up of a stratified squamous corneified epithelium. Unlike all epithelia previously presented in this chapter, the epidermis is exposed to the air which is a dry surface.
The cells of their most superficial layers undergo a process of corneification. As the cells migrate and reach the superficial layers, they die and transform into thin plates of proteins that protect the lower cell layers. The dead cells of the stratum corneum continually slough off. This stratum protects the epithelium from friction, mechanical injuries and prevents the drying of the epithelium and of the underlying connective tissue.
The cells of their most superficial layers undergo a process of corneification. As the cells migrate and reach the superficial layers, they die and transform into thin plates of proteins that protect the lower cell layers. The dead cells of the stratum corneum continually slough off. This stratum protects the epithelium from friction, mechanical injuries and prevents the drying of the epithelium and of the underlying connective tissue.
Skin. Hematoxylin and eosin. Medium magnification.
The stratum corneum is highlighted in light blue in the image when you hover your cursor over it. Note that there are no nuclei in this layer, as these cells are dead. A few squamous cells which are in the process of corneification, become highlighted in green.
The stratum corneum is thicker in areas of the body suvjet to greater friction, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, elbows, knees.