C. Langerhans' cells

C. Langerhans' cells: These star-shaped cells lack tonofilaments and occur mainly in the stratum spinosum (400-1000 cells/mm2 of skin surface). They stain selectively with gold chloride and contain numerous rodlike or racket-shaped cytoplasmic granules (Birbeck's granules). They are thought to be antigen-presenting cells that process and present to the lymphocytes any antigenic material that penetrates the skin's surface. Of mesodermal origin, they arise in bone marrow and may belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system. Langerhans' cells also occur in oral and vaginal epithelia as well as in the thymus.