Findings

The upper 3/4 of the stratified epithelium of the skin from the sole of the foot contains keratinized squamous cells. Dehydrated and hard, this keratinized layer protects against mechanical injury and wear and tear. The lower 1/4 of the epithelium is composed of viable cells produced by the most basal cells.

Comment

While all stratified squamous epithelia are more resistant to mechanical stress than the other types of epithelia, keratinized stratified squamous epithelium is more resistant than the non-keratinized version.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

Medium-power light microscopy

Specimen

Thick skin

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego