Which of the following layers of epidermis is known as "prickle layer"?
Stratum basale
Stratum spinosum
Stratum granulosum
Stratum corneum
Ans. B. Stratum spinosumStratum spinosum is also called as the prickle cell layer.* Stratum spinosum consists of intercellular attachments, also called desmosomes.* These desmosomes appear like spines on microscopy; hence, it is called as the prickle layer.* Their spiny (Latin, spinosum) appearance is due to the shrinking of the microfilaments between desmosomes that occurs when stained with H&E.
Anatomy of Skin