stratum spinosum

Introduction

Layer of polyhedral cells in the epidermis.

Structure

* Layers of epidermis (from the surface) include:

• stratum corneum (keratin {horny} layer)
• stratum lucidum (clear layer) <palms & soles>
• stratum granulosum (granular layer)
• stratum spinosum (prickle cell layer)
• stratum basale (basal cell layer)

Histology

• shrinkage artifacts & adhesions at desmosomal junctions results in a spiny or prickly appearance of the cells in this layer

More general terms

• organ structure

Component of

• epidermis