Findings

Shown here is a higher magnification of slide # 12. The area stained light purple is from the keratinized region of the epithelium where cells lack nuclei, while that stained dark purple is from the region with viable cells that contain nuclei. The light blue line that separates the two layers is actually a group of cells (stratum lucidum) with unique staining properties but no other significance.

Comment

The relative thickness of the keratinized layer gives a clue to the type of skin. Thick keratinized layers are found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Thin keratinized layers are found on skin from the back, abdomen, arms, legs, etc.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

High-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