What is the name of the layer of the epidermis that consists of clear cells through which light can pass?

The layer of the epidermis that is composed of clear cells, allowing light to pass through, is known as the stratum lucidum. This layer is typically found in areas of thick skin, such as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The stratum lucidum provides an additional barrier for protection and lends a translucent appearance to the skin. It is situated just beneath the stratum corneum and above the stratum granulosum, serving as a transition zone where the keratinocytes are flattened and begin to die off, resulting in the clear, glassy look characteristic of this layer.

Other layers of the epidermis have different functions and characteristics: the stratum corneum consists of dead, flattened skin cells that provide a protective barrier; the stratum basale is the deepest layer responsible for cell production; and the stratum granulosum contains cells that contain granules of keratin and lipids, which contribute to the skin's waterproof barrier. Each layer plays a vital role in skin health and function, but the clear nature of the stratum lucidum is what specifically distinguishes it from the others.