Stratum lucidum

The stratum lucidum (Latin, 'clear layer') is a thin, clear layer of dead skin cells in the epidermis named for its translucent appearance under a microscope.

It is readily visible by light microscopy only in areas of thick skin, which are found on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

[3][4] The keratinocytes of the stratum lucidum do not feature distinct boundaries and are filled with eleidin, an intermediate form of keratin.

They are surrounded by an oily substance that is the result of the exocytosis of lamellar bodies accumulated while the keratinocytes are moving through the stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum.

[citation needed] The thickness of the stratum lucidum is controlled by the rate of mitosis (division) of the epidermal cells.