Vitiligo Education: The 5 sublayers of the epidermis
We previously looked at the 3 layers of the skin and it will be no surprise to hear that we encourage and invite further investigation of the sublayers of each layer. The following test takes a look at the sublayers of the epidermis.
Sublayer 1: Stratum Corneum This is the outermost layer which prevents water lost and protects against injury and germs. It is composed of mostly ten to thirty layers of dead cells called corneocytes.
Sublayer 2: Stratum Lucidum This second layer is thin and translucent it provided extra protection and interestingly is only present in thick skin such as the palm and soles. It is composed of mostly densely packed dead cells.
Sublayer 3: Stratum Granulosum This layer Is a transition layer where cells begin to die and accumulate. It consists of up to 5 layers of flattened keratinocytes.
Sublayer 4: Stratum Spinosum The fourth layer exists to provide structural strength and flexibility. It contains several layers of keratinocytes and also Langerhans cells which are used for immune surveillance.
Sublayer 5: Stratum Basale This is often called the “germinal” layer. Constant cell division takes place here and the epidermis is anchored to the dermis too in this layer. For vitiligo investigators its worth knowing that it contains the melanocytes along with stem cells and Merkel cells.
In our education collection we dive deep on each layer and how it relates to vitiligo.
Never stop educating yourself. This is how you will connect the dots!
