Which epidermal layer is found only on thick skin like the palms and soles?

Which epidermal layer is found only on thick skin like the palms and soles?

• A. Stratum Lucidum
• B. Stratum Basale
• C. Stratum Corneum
• D. Stratum Granulosum

Answer: (A)

Thick skin carries an extra epidermal layer that thin skin does not have. This layer sits between the granular layer and the outermost horny layer and appears as a thin, clear band in histology. Its keratinocytes are flattened and often contain eleidin, a keratin precursor, which helps strengthen the surface against constant friction on the palms and soles. Because this layer isn’t present in thin skin, you won’t find it on areas like the eyelids or the backs of the hands. In thin skin, the epidermal strata proceed straight from the granular layer to the stratum corneum, without this lucidum layer.

Thick skin carries an extra epidermal layer that thin skin does not have. This layer sits between the granular layer and the outermost horny layer and appears as a thin, clear band in histology. Its keratinocytes are flattened and often contain eleidin, a keratin precursor, which helps strengthen the surface against constant friction on the palms and soles. Because this layer isn’t present in thin skin, you won’t find it on areas like the eyelids or the backs of the hands. In thin skin, the epidermal strata proceed straight from the granular layer to the stratum corneum, without this lucidum layer.