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Stratum corneum

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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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