Findings

In this low-power micrograph of thick skin, the stratified squamous epithelium overlies the dense irregularly-arranged connective tissue of the dermis. Note that the outer layers of the epithelium are pale stained, due to the lack of nuclei which avidly take up hematoxylin. Profiles indicating the spiral course of a duct from an eccrine sweat gland can also be seen in the epithelium.

Comment

Lack of nuclei in the outermost layers are characteristic of keratinized, stratified squamous epithelia.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

Low-power light microscopy

Specimen

Thick skin

Image Credit

V. Eroschenko, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
WAMI Medical Program
University of Idaho