translucent cells containing keratin fibrils

#Translucent cells containing keratin fibrils skin#

The stratum spinosum is composed of eight to 10 layers of keratinocytes, formed as a result of cell division in the stratum basale ( Figure 5.6). Unstained epidermis samples do not exhibit this characteristic appearance. It is interesting to note that the “spiny” nature of this layer is an artifact of the staining process. The desmosomes interlock with each other and strengthen the bond between the cells. Stratum SpinosumĪs the name suggests, the stratum spinosum is spiny in appearance due to the protruding cell processes that join the cells via a structure called a desmosome. Fingerprints are unique to each individual and are used for forensic analyses because the patterns do not change with the growth and aging processes. In a growing fetus, fingerprints form where the cells of the stratum basale meet the papillae of the underlying dermal layer (papillary layer), resulting in the formation of the ridges on your fingers that you recognize as fingerprints.

#Translucent cells containing keratin fibrils skin#

Melanin gives hair and skin its color, and also helps protect the living cells of the epidermis from ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. The second is a melanocyte, a cell that produces the pigment melanin. These cells are especially abundant on the surfaces of the hands and feet. The first is a Merkel cell, which functions as a receptor and is responsible for stimulating sensory nerves that the brain perceives as touch. Two other cell types are found dispersed among the basal cells in the stratum basale. As new cells are formed, the existing cells are pushed superficially away from the stratum basale. All of the keratinocytes are produced from this single layer of cells, which are constantly going through mitosis to produce new cells.

A basal cell is a cuboidal-shaped stem cell that is a precursor of the keratinocytes of the epidermis. The stratum basale is a single layer of cells primarily made of basal cells. Figure 5.5 Layers of the Epidermis The epidermis of thick skin has five layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.