Which statement about the Stratum Corneum is accurate?

Which statement about the Stratum Corneum is accurate?

• A. It is the living, thickest layer of the epidermis.
• B. It contains keratinocytes actively dividing.
• C. It primarily stores melanin.
• D. It provides protection and adds structural strength despite consisting of dead cells.

Answer: (D)

The outermost layer of the epidermis serves as the protective barrier, and it’s made up of dead cells filled with keratin. These corneocytes are no longer living or dividing, but they are tightly held together and embedded in lipids, forming a tough, waterproof shield. That’s why this layer provides protection and adds structural strength despite consisting of dead cells. The other statements don’t fit because they describe living, actively dividing cells or roles (like melanin storage) that belong to deeper epidermal layers or different cell types. Melanin is produced in melanocytes in the deeper layers and isn’t stored in this outermost stratum.

The outermost layer of the epidermis serves as the protective barrier, and it’s made up of dead cells filled with keratin. These corneocytes are no longer living or dividing, but they are tightly held together and embedded in lipids, forming a tough, waterproof shield. That’s why this layer provides protection and adds structural strength despite consisting of dead cells. The other statements don’t fit because they describe living, actively dividing cells or roles (like melanin storage) that belong to deeper epidermal layers or different cell types. Melanin is produced in melanocytes in the deeper layers and isn’t stored in this outermost stratum.