Layer of variable thickness consisting of more flattened cells. Mitotic figures are common. Cell contacts are desmosomal and important in forming part of the Barrier function of skin. Composed of from 1 to 5 layers of flattened cells. They contain keratohyaline granules .
Desmosomal contacts present.
A thin layer of clear cells found only in thick skin. Desmosomal contacts still present. Flat cornified cells without nuclei. Cytoplasm is replaced by keratin. Desmosomal contacts still seen in the deeper part of this layer.