Stereologic baseline data of normal human epidermis

Stereologic techniques for electron microscopic morphometry have been applied to normal human interfollicular epidermis of the submammary and iliac crest regions. The aim was to obtain objective baseline data for the study of epidermal morphometric pathology. The results, expressed mainly in surface, volume, and numerical densities of epidermal components and keratinocyte organelles, revealed ascending or descending gradients throughout the epithelial strata. The cytoplasmic ground substance remained almost constant in the four studied layers. No important regional differences were found between the epidermal morphometric parameters at either site. The epidermis showed striking volumetric composition similarities with other keratinizing epithelia.