Final answer:
The stratum lucidum is a translucent layer of the epidermis found in thick skin. It is composed of dead and flattened keratinocytes that are densely packed with eleidin, a clear protein. It acts as a barrier to water and is only present in the palms, soles, and digits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stratum lucidum is a smooth, seemingly translucent layer of the epidermis located just above the stratum granulosum and below the stratum corneum. The stratum lucidum is a translucent layer of the epidermis found in thick skin. It is composed of dead and flattened keratinocytes that are densely packed with eleidin, a clear protein. It acts as a barrier to water and is only present in the palms, soles, and digits.
This thin layer of cells is found only in the thick skin of the palms, soles, and digits. The keratinocytes that compose the stratum lucidum are dead and flattened. These cells are densely packed with eleidin, a clear protein derived from keratohyalin, which gives these cells their transparent appearance and provides a barrier to water.