Morphology and Thickness of the Human Stratum Corneum

SUMMARY.— The method of exhibiting the layers of cells of the stratum corneum described by Kligman and Christophers has been employed and elaborated, and has proved to be practical and reproducible. The cells can be counted and observations made on their morphology. The shape of the cells treated by this method has been shown to be different at various sites and at different levels of the stratum corneum, and in pathological states. The stratum corneum is probably more compact than has been hitherto supposed. Differences in susceptibility to alkali have been demonstrated in the horny cells surrounding the eccrine sweat ducts and the pilosebaceous orifices. There are also age differences in the susceptibility of the stratum corneum to alkali and possibly in its thickness.