Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Exam

Which layer of the skin contains prickle cells?

1. Basal Layer

2. Spinosum Layer

3. Granulosum Layer

4. Corneum Layer

The correct answer is: Spinosum Layer

The spinosum layer, also known as the stratum spinosum, is the correct answer because it is the layer of the skin that contains prickle cells, which are named for their spiny appearance under a microscope. This layer is located above the basal layer and beneath the granulosum layer and plays a crucial role in strength and flexibility of the epidermis due to the presence of desmosomes that connect these cells. Prickle cells are involved in the structural support of the skin, contributing to its ability to withstand physical stress. The spinosum layer contains several layers of these cells, which become more flattened as they move toward the surface of the skin, eventually transitioning into the next layers of the epidermis. In contrast, the basal layer is primarily composed of basal cells that are responsible for the generation of new skin cells but does not contain prickle cells. The granulosum layer is notable for keratinization, where cells lose their nuclei and become more flattened, and the corneum layer is primarily made up of dead cells that provide a protective barrier for the skin. Understanding the specific roles and characteristics of these layers is crucial for a laser technician, as it relates to skin structure and the effects of laser treatments on different