Stratum corneum
The stratum corneum is the most superficial layer of the skin. Cells here are dead and characterised by:
- numerous cell layers - number largely determines thickness of entire epidermis
- keratin throughout cell interior
- no intracellular organelles
- thickening of plasma membrane and coating with glycolipid
- firm glycoprotein binding between cells until dissolution by acid phosphatases
A chronic friction stimulus will increase the thickness of this layer. Friction displaces cells from the body surface.
Disorders of the stratum corneum include forms of ichthyosis.
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