The ________ layer is made up of clear cells, which allow light to pass through.

The ________ layer is made up of clear cells, which allow light to pass through.

• A. Stratum lucidum
• B. Stratum granulosum
• C. Stratum corneum
• D. Stratum germinativum

Answer: (A)

The transparent, light-transmitting layer is the stratum lucidum. This thin, clear layer lies between the stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum in thick skin (such as the palms and soles). Its cells are flattened and contain eleidin, a translucent protein that gives the layer its clear appearance and allows light to pass through to the deeper skin layers. The other layers serve different roles: the stratum granulosum is a granular, keratinization zone; the stratum corneum is the outermost protective barrier of dead keratinocytes; and the stratum germinativum (basal layer) is the deepest proliferative layer. Because only the stratum lucidum is characteristically clear, it best fits the description.

The transparent, light-transmitting layer is the stratum lucidum. This thin, clear layer lies between the stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum in thick skin (such as the palms and soles). Its cells are flattened and contain eleidin, a translucent protein that gives the layer its clear appearance and allows light to pass through to the deeper skin layers. The other layers serve different roles: the stratum granulosum is a granular, keratinization zone; the stratum corneum is the outermost protective barrier of dead keratinocytes; and the stratum germinativum (basal layer) is the deepest proliferative layer. Because only the stratum lucidum is characteristically clear, it best fits the description.