The epidermis is an important component of skin (also
known as the "integument", or "integumentary system").
The epidermis is the outer-layer of the skin and consists of keratinised
stratified squamous epithelium.
According to some texts there are 4 layers
in the epidermis:
The stratum
corneum; the stratum
lucidum; the stratum
granulosum; and the stratum
germinativum (which is also known as the “Malpighian
Layer”). Other more detailed texts describe the epidermis as consisting
of 5 layers, mentioning the stratum
spinosum and the stratum
basale in
place of the stratum germinativum.
To view the location of the epidermis relative to the
other key components of the skin see:
Diagram
of the Structure of the Skin. This may be of particular interest
to students of courses in massage,
reflexology, beauty therapies, and other clinical courses.
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