Epidermis

The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin. The other two layers beneath the epidermis are the dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is also comprised of several layers including the stratum basale, stratum spisosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum. The number of layers and thickness of the epidermal layer depends on the location in the body. For example, the epidermis that covers the heel region is much thicker than the epidermis that covers the eyelid.

The main cells of the epidermis are the keratinocytes. These cells originate in the basal layer and produce the main protein of the epidermis called the keratin. Other cells located in the epidermis are:

Melanocytes (produce skin pigment)
Langerhans’ cells (immune, antigen-presenting cells)
Merkel’s cell (mechanoreceptors for light touch)

The main function of the epidermis is to protect the deeper tissues from water, microorganisms, mechanical and chemical trauma, and damage from UV light. In addition, the epidermis continuously makes new skin that replaces the old skin cells and produces melanin that provides skin color.

Terminology	English: Epidemis Latin: Epidermis
Definition	Outermost layer of the skin
Layers	Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum corneum
Functions	Protection, skin regeneration, skin color

Learn everything about the components of the integumentary system with the following study unit:

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Yousef H, Alhajj M, Sharma S. Anatomy, Skin (Integument), Epidermis. [Updated 2021 Nov 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022.

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Epidermis: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver