| Stratified squamous keratinized epithelium forms the human epidermis. The outer cells always die and flake off. Cells at the basement membrane (called keratinocytes) divide by mitosis to form all of the rest of the cells above them. Other cells, called melanocytes, form a dark pigment called melanin when exposed to sunlight (UV radiation). The outer cells die and then flake off over time. It is these cells that dust mites feed on in your rugs and mildews eat on your shower wall! This is not the answer that I was looking for, however! Lets return to the original question. |