Skin cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of squamous cells from the surface of the skin. This is a flat, keratinised, dead cell. Squamous cells are continuously sloughed off and replaced with new cells from below. Visible on the surface of these skin cells are the microfolds or microplicae. Small numbers of bacteria, found on healthy skin, are present. Magnification: x2000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.