epidermis

epidermis The upper, or outer, layer of the two main layers of cells in the skin (the other being the dermis). The epidermis is mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Under the squamous cells are round cells called basal cells. The deepest part of the epidermis also contains melanocytes, cells that produce the substance melanin, which gives skin its color. See also dermis; skin.