Stratum Granulosum and Stratum Corneum

The keratinocytes of the stratum granulosum become more flattened and accumulate numerous dense, dark-staining granules. These are keratohyaline granules that contain proteins which will aggregate the keratin filaments in the cytoplasm. These cells also produce lipid-rich lamellar bodies that will be secreted to form a lipid layer to prevent water loss. The cells of the stratum corneum are anucleated and filled with keratin filaments. The plasma membrane of the cells is coated with a lipid layer. The thickness of this layer varies the most and is primary difference between thick and thin skin.