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Spinous Cell Layer (Stratum Spinosum) Explained

The spinous cell layer (Stratum spinosum) is a layer of the epidermis located between the basal layer and the granular layer. It plays a key role in skin stability and immune defence.

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Things worth knowing about "Spinous cell layer"

The spinous cell layer (Stratum spinosum) is a layer of the epidermis located between the basal layer and the granular layer. It plays a key role in skin stability and immune defence.

What is the Spinous Cell Layer?

The spinous cell layer, known in Latin as the Stratum spinosum, is one of the five layers of the epidermis (outer skin). It is located directly above the basal cell layer (Stratum basale) and below the granular layer (Stratum granulosum). Its name comes from the characteristic appearance of its cells under a microscope: the keratinocytes (skin-forming cells) in this layer display spine-like projections, called desmosomes, through which they are tightly connected to one another.

Structure and Composition

The spinous cell layer consists of several rows of keratinocytes held together by numerous cell-to-cell connections called desmosomes. These connections provide mechanical strength to the tissue and prevent the cells from separating. The cells are polygonal in shape and contain a clearly visible nucleus.

Desmosomes: Specialised cell junctions that mechanically anchor keratinocytes to one another
Keratin filaments: Structural proteins forming the cytoskeleton of the cells, contributing to skin strength
Langerhans cells: Immune cells found within the spinous cell layer that play an important role in the skin immune defence

Functions of the Spinous Cell Layer

The spinous cell layer fulfils several important functions:

Mechanical protection: The tight cell junctions allow the skin to resist pressure, friction, and other physical forces
Immune defence: Langerhans cells present in this layer detect foreign substances and pathogens and initiate immune responses
Keratinisation: The production of keratin proteins, which are essential for the cornification of the skin, begins in this layer
Barrier function: The spinous cell layer contributes to the formation of the skin barrier and protects the body from the penetration of harmful substances

Position within the Skin Layers

The human epidermis is divided from inner to outer into the following layers:

Stratum basale (basal cell layer): innermost layer, contains stem cells
Stratum spinosum (spinous cell layer): second layer
Stratum granulosum (granular layer): third layer
Stratum lucidum (clear layer): present only in thick skin, e.g. on the palms and soles
Stratum corneum (horny layer): outermost layer composed of dead cornified cells

Clinical Relevance

The spinous cell layer holds significant medical importance as it is the site of origin of squamous cell carcinoma (also called spinalioma), a common malignant skin tumour. It is also directly affected in conditions such as Pemphigus vulgaris, an autoimmune disease in which antibodies target desmosomes. This leads to loss of cell cohesion (acantholysis) and the formation of blisters on the skin.

References

Fritsch, P. - Dermatologie und Venerologie. Springer Verlag, 3rd edition (2018)
Welsch, U. & Deller, T. - Sobotta Textbook of Histology. Elsevier, 3rd edition (2011)
Boecker, W. et al. - Pathologie. Elsevier, 5th edition (2012)

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