VAN 211: Veterinary Histology and Embryology (2+2)

STRATIFIED SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM
(Skin)

Under low power

• Note the connective tissue dermis below, over which is the epidermis made up of stratified squamous epithelium.
• The basal or deeper layers of the epithelium consist of basophilic cells while superficially there are no distinct cells but only scales staining red.

Under high power

• Study the different layers of the epithelium. Immediately above the dermis,
  • The stratum cylindricum - a single layer of columnar cells.
  • Next above the stratum spinosum, a number of layers of large, polyhedral, basophilic cells, becoming transversely elongated above.
  • Stratum granulosum - two to five layers of rhomboid cells with prominent basophilic cells, granules in the cytoplasm,
  • Stratum lucidum - a narrow homogenous band staining brightly red with no cell boundaries or nuclei.
  • Stratum corneum - layer of variable thickness, staining red, made up of dead cells or scales only.

Click here to see Stratified Squamous Epithelium