Thick skin (histological specimen)

Epidermis
The Epidermis (skin) consists of a stratified squamous' epithelium with a 'keratinization. It regularly runs into the dermis layer and thus creates "epidermal ridges". On the cross-section, we distinguish five layers (layer = stratum):
 * str. basale: cubic to cylindrical basophilic elements in a single layer that sit on the lamina basalis. The only intercellular junctions are desmosomes'
 * pp. spinosum: cubic polygonal elements with cytoplasmic protrusions. We find tonofibrils in them,
 * str. granulosum: basophilic layer with keratohyaline granules (stains intensely dark purple),
 * pp. lucidum: a thin translucent layer, the cells no longer have nuclei or organelles, they are filled mainly with keratin filaments,
 * pp. corneum: anucleate cornified elements.

Pg. basale and str. spinosum are referred to by the common name '''str. germinativum'' (germ layer).

Dermis
The dermis (Slovak suede, Czech skára) develops from mesenchyme and consists of connective tissue that strengthens the epidermis. In some places, it runs into the epidermis and thus creates "dermal papillae". It consists of two layers:
 * pp. reticulare: dense tissue,
 * pp. papillare: thin ligament.

Hypodermis
The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) consists of thin tissue, adipocytes, sweat glands (eccrine – simple coiled tubular glands opening onto the surface of the skin, basally surrounded by myoepithelial cells).

Related Articles

 * Physiological activity of the skin
 * Histopathological changes in the skin