stratum spinosum

anatomy

Also known as: prickle cell layer

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The stratum spinosum, also known as the prickle-cell layer, is a crucial part of the epidermis in human skin. It is located immediately above the stratum basale (basal layer) and below the stratum granulosum (granular layer).1

The cells within the stratum spinosum, called keratinocytes, have a spiny appearance due to numerous desmosomes on their surfaces. Desmosomes are specialized structures that connect adjacent cells, providing strength and integrity to the skin. These cells are formed by mitosis in the basal layer and move outward, undergoing changes as they progress through the epidermal layers. The stratum spinosum plays a role in the formation of the skin's protective barrier and contains membrane-coating granules that contribute to the skin's water resistance.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.

integument
Skin structure
…the prickle cell layer (stratum spinosum), in which they are knit together by plaquelike structures called desmosomes. Next they move through a granular layer (stratum granulosum), in which they become laden with keratohyalin, a granular component of keratin. Finally the cells flatten, lose their nuclei, and form the stratum…
Read More
…the prickle cell layer (stratum spinosum), in which they are knit together by plaquelike structures called desmosomes. Next they move through a granular layer (stratum granulosum), in which they become laden with keratohyalin, a granular component of keratin. Finally the cells flatten, lose their nuclei, and form the stratum…
Read More