This high magnification image of the section from a thin skin shows
the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium that makes up
the epidermis andthe underlying dermis of dense, irregular collagenous
connective tissue. The portion of this epithelium closest to the dermis
iscomposed ofa living cells, which have with nuclei and
basophilic cytoplasm. The outer portion is composed of numerous layers of
very thin, squamous cells that
stain pink with eosin. They lack nuclei and
are filled with the protein keratin. The underlying dermis contains
bundles of collagen fibers, which stain pink with eosin.
