The Epidermis!

5 Sub-layers of the Epidermis
Stratum Corneum
Stratum lucidum
Stratum granulosum
Stratum spinosum
Stratum basale

Outermost layer of skin
Many layers of keratinized, dead epithelial cells
Flattened and non nucleated

Between the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum
ONLY on soles of feet and palms of hands
Cells appear clear (lucid)

Beneath the stratum corneum or stratum lucidum
3-5 layers of flattened cells
Shriveled nuclei
Small keratin fibers
This is becoming the new layer of stratum corneum

Beneath the stratum granulosum
Many layers of cells
Becoming flattened
Developing keratin fibers
Nuclei still present

Deepest layer of EPIDERMIS
Single row of cuboidal or columnar cells
Divide and grow
Contains melanocytes

What is Keratin?
A waterproof fiber
Tough
Will fill up the cell to become the stratum corneum so it is waterproof and can withstand the harsh outer environment