Acanthosis

Compartment: Epidermis

Alt text: "Side-by-side diagram comparing normal skin to acanthotic skin, with labeled epidermal layers (corneal, granular, spinous, basal) and dermis, showing uniform epidermal thickening and elongated rete ridges."
Caption: “Acanthosis: uniform epidermal thickening with elongated rete ridges, comparing normal skin (left) to acanthotic skin (right).”

Definition: Uniform thickening of the epidermis, primarily involving the spinous layer, without significant cytologic atypia.

Clinical Context: Lichen simplex chronicus, Psoriasis, Acanthosis nigricans

Key Feature: Thickened epidermis with elongated, regular rete ridges and preserved epidermal maturation.

🔗 Related Terms: Pseudoepitheliomatous Hyperplasia, Epidermal hyperplasia, Papillomatosis