Layers of epidermis; 1.Stratum basale ( basal layer) - base layer, single row of cells; divide into (mitotic), attached to dermis, cell dies. 2. Stratum spinosum ( prickly layer)- several cell layers thick, keratinocytes( espikey) = prickle cells. 3. Stratum granulosum ( granular layer)- 4 to 6 cells thick( flattened cells), cell apperance changes, keratinization begins, slows water loss. 4. Stratum corneum( horny layer)- 20-30 rows ( flat, anucleated) keratinized dead cells, three quarters of epidermal thickness.