Spotlight Figure 5.3: The Epidermis

Comparing the Epidermis to the Dermis

Dermis: Connective Tissue, Blood Vessels, Papilla. Epidermis: Keratinocytes, 4-5 Distinct Layers, Stratified Squamous Epithelium, Merkel Cells, Water Resistant (Specifically Stratum Cornuem)

What type of tissue is the epidermis composed of?

Stratified Squamous Epithelium. The epidermis is made up of stratified squamous epithelium. This stratification provides functional boundaries within the epidermis.

Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for water resistance?

Stratum Corneum. Keratin is highly concentrated in the stratum corneum, a location where dead keratinocytes contain concentrated keratin. This creates a physical and chemical barrier between your body and the external environment.

The epidermis has several layers. Which layer of the epidermis would be different in thick skin compared to a sample of thin skin?

Stratum Lucidum and Stratum Corneum. Thicker skin includes a stratum lucidum and a thicker stratum corneum. Both of these layers represent an increase in the number of dead cells that accumulate as a result of the increase of mechanical stimulation of the epidermis. The increased thickness provides more resistance to friction in areas such as the palms and the soles of the feet.