The stratum spinosum is the thickest living layer of the epidermis, several cells deep, where keratinocytes are linked by many desmosomes that look like spines under the microscope. Immune Langerhans cells patrol this layer.
| Location | Above the stratum basale, below the stratum granulosum |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Free nerve endings and Merkel cells from cutaneous nerves |
| Blood Supply | None (epidermis is avascular; nourished from dermal capillaries) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Gives the epidermis strength against shearing forces and contributes to immune surveillance.
In pemphigus vulgaris, antibodies attack the desmosomes here and the cells separate, causing fragile blisters. Squamous cell carcinoma arises from keratinocytes of this layer. Thickening of this layer is seen in psoriasis.
Autoimmune loss of cell-to-cell adhesion causing flaccid blisters and erosions.
Skin cancer of keratinocytes, linked to sun exposure.
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