Changes

*'''Stratum spinosum'''

*'''Stratum spinosum'''

Above the stratum basale is the ''stratum spinosum''.  Spinous cells are large polygonal cells with prominent desmosomal intercellular filaments.  When cells move into this layer, they shrink and move apart.  Keratinisation begins in the stratum spinosum and continues in the stratum granulosum.

Above the stratum basale is the ''stratum spinosum''.  Spinous cells are large polygonal cells with prominent '''desmosomal intercellular filaments'''.  When cells move into this layer, they shrink and move apart.  Keratinisation begins in the stratum spinosum and continues in the stratum granulosum.

*'''Stratum Granulosum'''

*'''Stratum Granulosum'''

*'''Stratum Corneum'''

*'''Stratum Corneum'''

The outer layer, ''stratum corneum'', consists of anucleate, thin cells filled with keratin filaments and proteins that form a cell envelope resistant to solvents and enzymes; there is also a permeability barrier to water and ions.  The cells of the stratum corneum are embedded in a lipid-rich matrix which helps to hold the cells together, while the desmosomes that were present in lower layers have disappeared.  For the stratum corneum to maintain a constant thickness, there is a constant turnover of exfoliated corneocytes, being replaced by new corneocytes.  Enzymes in the lamellar bodies from the '''stratum granulosum''' help to break down the intercellular lipid 'glue' that holds the cells in place and there is also some degradation of desmosomes.

The outer layer, ''stratum corneum'', consists of anucleate, thin cells filled with keratin filaments and proteins that form a cell envelope resistant to solvents and enzymes; there is also a permeability barrier to water and ions.  The cells of the stratum corneum are embedded in a lipid-rich matrix which helps to hold the cells together, while the '''desmosomes''' that were present in lower layers have disappeared.  For the stratum corneum to maintain a constant thickness, there is a constant turnover of exfoliated corneocytes, being replaced by new corneocytes.  Enzymes in the lamellar bodies from the '''stratum granulosum''' help to break down the intercellular lipid 'glue' that holds the cells in place and there is also some degradation of desmosomes.

====Cells of the Epidermis====

====Cells of the Epidermis====