Epidermis of Skin showing all five layers--thick skin, palm of hand, 50X - stock photo

Epidermis of Skin showing all five layers--thick skin, palm of hand, 50X. Thick skin of the palm and sole typically shows five layers of the epidermis: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale. This image shows mostly the epidermis, with a small amount of dermis below. The stratum corneum (layer of dead cells) also shows a sweat gland duct. Basal cell carcinomas originate in the basal layer (stratum basale). Note the dark layer (stratum granulosum) that contains the dark pigment melanin that provides skin color and protection from ultraviolet radiation.