Question

What is the function of stratum lucidum? Where is this layer found?

Answer 1

Hint: Stratum lucidum is a smooth and transparent layer of epidermis located in between the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. It is visible under a microscope in the area of thick skin. This layer is usually composed of dead keratinocytes. It is a part of the epidermis so we can get to the answer by inferring the role of epidermis in our body.

Complete answer: Before getting to know about the answer let us first know about the largest organ of the body named skin.
Skin is the external covering of our body. It is named from three layers called epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. It is made up of an intricate network which serves as a body warrior against many pathogens, UV light, chemicals and mechanical injury. It regulates the temperature and the amount of water released in the environment.
Stratum lucidum is a thin, clear layer of dead skin cells in the epidermis of the skin. It is composed of five layers of dead flattened keratinocytes. These cells do not feature distinct boundaries and are filled with eleidin, an intermediate form of keratin. They are usually surrounded by oily substances that are the result of the exocytosis of the lamellar bodies.The thickness of the stratum lucidum is controlled by the rate of mitosis of the epidermal cells.
It is found below the stratum granulosum and above the stratum corneum. It is usually found in the thick skin of the palm of the hand or soles of the feet.
The function of it is to protect the areas most common to damages such as palms of the hand, side fingers and the bottoms of the feet. It is usually an extra layer of skin. The elidin protein that fills the keratinocytes at this layer makes them clear, but allows them to stretch more as well make them waterproof than the other skin cells. This protects the body against damage when walking barefoot or handling rough objects.

Note: The stratum lucidum is a layer that derives its name from the clear and transparent appearance it gives off under the microscopes. This layer can be certainly found in the certain hairless parts of the body or we can say the place where the skin is usually the thickest. This layer is usually 2 to 3 cell layers made from keratinocytes and their main function is to protect.