Questions: A student looks for the stratum corneum of thick skin under the microscope. Which of the following should they be looking for? Multiple Choice 3-5 layers of cells A clear layer The most superficial layer Cells with distinct round nuclei Dark staining granules

The answer is the third one: The most superficial layer.

Explanation for each option:

1. 3-5 layers of cells: This description is more characteristic of the stratum granulosum, not the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum consists of many more layers, especially in thick skin.

2. A clear layer: This refers to the stratum lucidum, which is a clear, thin layer found only in thick skin, but it is not the stratum corneum.

3. The most superficial layer: The stratum corneum is indeed the outermost layer of the epidermis, making it the most superficial layer.

4. Cells with distinct round nuclei: The cells in the stratum corneum are dead and lack nuclei. This description does not fit the stratum corneum.

5. Dark staining granules: This is characteristic of the stratum granulosum, where keratohyalin granules are present, not the stratum corneum.

In summary, the stratum corneum is the most superficial layer of the epidermis, which is what the student should be looking for under the microscope.