Which layer of the epidermis is characterized by cells being held together by prickly or spiny-shaped fibers?

The layer of the epidermis that is characterized by cells connected through prickly or spiny-shaped fibers is the stratum spinosum. This particular layer is situated above the stratum basale and below the stratum granulosum.

In the stratum spinosum, keratinocytes (the main type of cells in the epidermis) begin to produce more keratin, and the intercellular connections, known as desmosomes, become more prominent. These connections give the cells a spiny appearance when examined under a microscope, hence the name "spinosum." This layer also plays a role in the immune response of the skin, housing Langerhans cells, which are involved in detecting pathogens.

As for other layers, the stratum corneum is the outermost layer composed of dead cells that have completely lost their nuclei and are filled with keratin, providing a tough barrier. The stratum basale, or stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer where new skin cells are generated. The stratum lucidum, found only in thick skin areas like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, provides an extra layer of thickness and is primarily composed of dead keratinocytes that appear