stratum granulosum

of epidermis

Also known as: granular cell layer

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The stratum granulosum, or granular layer, is a layer within the epidermis of human skin. It is located superficial to the stratum spinosum and deep to the stratum corneum. Cells in this layer contain keratohyalin granules, which are a component of keratin. These cells also contain membrane-coating granules that release waxy lipids into the intercellular spaces, contributing to the skin's water barrier function. As cells move outward from the stratum granulosum, they flatten, lose their nuclei, and become part of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of dead skin cells.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

human skin
Major layers
…by the granular layer, or stratum granulosum, with granules of keratohyalin contained in the cells. These small particles are of irregular shape and occur in random rows or lattices. The cells of the outer spinous and granular layers also contain much larger, lamellated bodies—the membrane-coating granules. They are most numerous…
Read More
…by the granular layer, or stratum granulosum, with granules of keratohyalin contained in the cells. These small particles are of irregular shape and occur in random rows or lattices. The cells of the outer spinous and granular layers also contain much larger, lamellated bodies—the membrane-coating granules. They are most numerous…
Read More