Which characteristic is true for the stratum lucidum?

The stratum lucidum is a specific layer of the epidermis that is indeed found only in thick skin areas, such as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This layer comprises about 3 to 4 rows of flattened, dead keratinocytes, which contribute to the skin's protective barrier. The cells in the stratum lucidum contain a clear protein called eleidin, which is a precursor to keratin, and this feature is essential in making the skin in these areas more resilient to abrasion and friction.

The characteristics of the other options do not accurately describe the stratum lucidum. For instance, the layer comprising many living cells that synthesize melanin pertains to the stratum basale, not the stratum lucidum. Moreover, the outermost layer of the skin is the stratum corneum, which is responsible for providing a significant protective barrier. Lastly, the assertion that stratum lucidum is found only in thin skin is incorrect; it is actually found in thick skin, which further emphasizes its specialized role.