Which of the following layers of epidermis is known as "prickle layer"?: (A) Stratum basale, (B) Stratum spinosum, (C) Stratum granulosum, (D) Stratum corneum
Answer is B. Ans. B. Stratum spinosumStratum spinosum is also called as the prickle cell layer.* Stratum spinosum consists of intercellular attachments, also called desmosomes.* These desmosomes appear like spines on microscopy; hence, it is called as the prickle layer.* Their spiny (Latin, spinosum) appearance is due to the shrinking of the microfilaments between desmosomes that occurs when stained with H&E.