Control of Epidermal Proliferative Units (EPUs)

A review of the data available on organisation in the differentiated compartment of epidermis has led to the formulation of a hypothesis. This suggests that some degree of control operates within neighbouring groups of epidermal proliferative units (EPUs) determining the input of cells to the highly ordered columns of cornified cells. It seems that this inter-unit control results in groups of units being in "synchrony". It is obvious that some degree of intra-unit control also operates.