Multilayered Stratified Keratinizing Squamous Epithelium—Vestibulum Nasi

In this form of epithelium, the surface layers go through the process of keratinization. This turns the keratinocytes into a layer of small “dead” keratin scales, the stratum corneum 1 . The stratum corneum is only slightly expressed in the vestibulum nasi.  In this figure, it is stained light green. Nuclei can no longer be recognized. Underneath the stratum corneum is a layer of cells with dark cytoplasmic granula. It is termed stratum granulosum. Underlying this layer, follow several layers of prickle cells, the stratum spinosum. Again, only the cells of the basal layer have contact with the basal membrane. Stratum basale and stratum spinosum combined form the germinative layer, the stratum germinativum. Under the epithelium is the lamina propria, with bundles of collagen fibers and many vessels 2.

1 Stratum corneum

2 Vessels of the lamina propria

Stain: iron hematoxylin-benzopurpurin; magnification: × 135

References

Kuehnel, W.(2003). Color Atlas of Cytology, Histology, and Microscopic Anatomy. 4^th edition . Institute of Anatomy Universitätzu Luebeck Luebeck, Germany . Thieme Stuttgar t · New York .