Question

What is the epidermis composed of? (kind of tissue...)

Answer 1

stratified squamous epithelial tissue

Step-by-step explanation:

The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, is primarily composed of stratified squamous epithelial tissue. This tissue is made up of multiple layers of cells, with the outermost layers consisting of flattened, dead cells that serve to protect the body from the external environment. The epidermis also contains specialized cells such as melanocytes (responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color) and keratinocytes (which produce the protein keratin, providing structural strength to the skin).

Answer 2

The epidermis consists mainly of keratinocytes, specialized epithelial cells that produce keratin, forming a protective layer. Other cell types present include melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells, each with specific roles in skin protection and sensation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The epidermis is composed of a specialized type of tissue known as keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. This tissue primarily consists of stacks of epithelial cells called keratinocytes, which make up approximately 90 percent of the epidermis. The process of keratinization begins in the basal layer of the epidermis, where the keratinocytes are cuboidal cells that continuously divide through mitosis.

As new keratinocytes form, they move upward, becoming flatter (squamous cells), and accumulate keratin, a tough and fibrous protein. By the time they reach the surface, these cells are filled with keratin and have died, creating a protective, waterproof barrier known as the stratum corneum. The epidermis also features other cell types such as melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells, each with specialized functions in protecting and sensing changes in the skin.