What is the layer of skin where cells become more regularly shaped and look like many tiny granules?

The layer of skin where cells become more regularly shaped and appear as many tiny granules is the stratum granulosum. This layer is significant in the epidermis as it acts as a transitional zone between the deeper living layers of the skin and the dead cells of the outermost layer.

In the stratum granulosum, cells begin to lose their nuclei and organelles, and they produce keratohyalin granules. These granules contribute to the process of keratinization, which is important for forming a protective barrier for the skin. The presence of the granules gives this layer its name and is indicative of the cells' impending transition to a fully keratinized state in the stratum corneum, which lies above it.

The structure and function of the stratum granulosum play a critical role in maintaining skin health and providing protection against environmental damage.