Mrs. Gaucher received second-degree burns on her abdomen when she dropped a kettle of boiling water. She asked her doctor (worriedly) if she would need a skin graft. What do you think he told her?
Ch. 5 The Integumentary System
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 5, Problem 14
Which epidermal cells contain keratohyaline and lamellar granules?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the epidermis is composed of several layers of cells, each with distinct functions and characteristics.
Recall that keratohyaline granules are involved in the process of keratinization, helping to form the dense protein matrix in the skin's outer layer.
Recognize that lamellar granules contain lipids that contribute to the skin's waterproof barrier by filling spaces between cells.
Identify the specific epidermal cell type that contains both keratohyaline and lamellar granules; these are the cells in the stratum granulosum layer.
Conclude that the keratinocytes in the stratum granulosum are the epidermal cells containing keratohyaline and lamellar granules, playing a key role in skin barrier formation.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Epidermal Cell Types
The epidermis consists of several cell types, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, and Merkel cells. Keratinocytes are the most abundant and are responsible for producing keratin and other granules essential for skin barrier function.
Recommended video:
Other Epidermal Cells
Keratohyaline Granules
Keratohyaline granules are dense, protein-rich structures found in the granular layer of keratinocytes. They contain profilaggrin, which helps in the aggregation of keratin filaments, contributing to the formation of the skin’s protective outer layer.
Recommended video:
Granulocytes
Lamellar Granules
Lamellar granules are lipid-containing organelles in keratinocytes that release lipids into the extracellular space. These lipids form a waterproof barrier, preventing water loss and protecting the skin from external environmental damage.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Structure of Lamellae
Related Practice
Textbook Question
1009
views
Textbook Question
The rule of nines is helpful clinically in
a. Diagnosing skin cancer
b. Estimating the extent of a burn
c. Estimating how serious a cancer is
d. Preventing acne
1321
views
1
rank
Textbook Question
Skin surface markings that reflect points of tight dermal attachment to underlying tissues are called
(a) tension lines,
(b) flexure lines,
(c) papillary ridges,
(d) dermal papillae.
60
views
Textbook Question
Why are there no skin cancers that originate from stratum corneum cells?
1751
views
Textbook Question
Explain each of these familiar phenomena in terms of what you learned in this chapter:
a. Pimples
b. Dandruff
c. Greasy hair and 'shiny nose
d. Stretch marks from gaining weight
e. Freckles
981
views
