Which of the following is the correct order of the epidermal layers from deepest to most superficial in thick skin?

• A. Stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale, stratum corneum, stratum lucidum
• B. Stratum spinosum, stratum basale, stratum granulosum, stratum corneum, stratum lucidum
• C. Stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale
• D. Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum corneum

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the epidermis in thick skin. The epidermis consists of five layers, arranged from deepest to most superficial: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
2. Step 2: Recall the function of each layer. The stratum basale is the deepest layer where cell division occurs. The stratum spinosum provides strength and flexibility. The stratum granulosum contains keratohyalin granules important for waterproofing. The stratum lucidum is a clear layer found only in thick skin, and the stratum corneum is the outermost layer composed of dead, keratinized cells.
3. Step 3: Identify the correct order by matching the layers from deepest to most superficial. The correct sequence is stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
4. Step 4: Compare the given options to the correct order. Eliminate options that do not match the sequence of layers in thick skin.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer is: Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum corneum.