Embryonic Epidermis

The embryonic epidermis is the first epidermal layer formed in the embryo. Its development begins at E8.5, when the surface ectoderm cells commit to an epidermal fate and form a layer of highly proliferative basal keratinocytes. The embryonic epidermis forms a unique intermediate layer differentiated from basal keratinocytes. The intermediate layer subsequently gives rise to the spinous layer, which marks the beginning of stratification.