Definition: the outermost later of skin, composed of 4 to 5 non-vascular (not containing blood vessels) sub-layers, called the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum (found only on soles of feet and palms of the hand), stratum granulosum, straum spinosum, and stratum basale. The epidermis provides a barrier layer that protects the deeper layers of the skin, organs, nerves, and blood vessels from the outer environment. The epidermis is thicker in some parts of the body than in others, and is continually shed as old cells die and new cells grow to take their place.
Pronunciation: epp-ih-DUHR-miss
