stratum corneum

(noun)

The most superficial layer of the epidermis from which dead skin sheds.

Related Terms

Examples of stratum corneum in the following topics:

  • Structure of the Skin: Epidermis

    • The epidermis includes five main layers: the stratum corneum, stratum lucidium, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum germinativum.
    • The stratum basale, also called the stratum germinativum, is the basal (base) layer of the epidermis. 
    • Once the keratinocytes leave the stratum granulosum, they die and help form the stratum lucidum.
    • From the stratum lucidum, the keratinocytes enter the next layer, called the stratum corneum (the horny layer filled with cornified cells). 
    • The cells of the stratum corneum are also surrounded by lipids (fats) that help repel water as well. 

  • What is Skin?

  • Skin Color

    • The deepest of the epidermal layers is called the stratum basale or stratum germinativum. 
    • The amount of carotene found in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the deepest layer of the skin, the hypodermis. 

  • Metabolic Functions

    • Vitamin D is produced in the two innermost strata of the epidermis, the stratum basale and stratum spinosum.

  • Blood Supply to the Epidermis

    • The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and remove waste from its own cells and from the stratum basale of the epidermis.

  • Amnion Development

    • This cavity is roofed in by a single stratum of flattened, ectodermal cells called the amniotic ectoderm.

  • Blastocyst Formation

    • The outer stratum forms a syncytium, which is a layer of protoplasm studded with nuclei but showing no evidence of subdivision into cells (termed the syncytiotrophoblast).

  • Hair

    • Here, stratum basale epithelial cells divide via mitosis to form the hair.