What is the basal layer of the skin also known as?

The basal layer of the skin, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. This layer is crucial for the process of skin regeneration because it contains living cells that are actively dividing and pushing older cells towards the surface. The stratum germinativum is responsible for producing new keratinocytes, which eventually migrate upward to form the outer layers of the skin.

This layer also contains melanocytes, which produce melanin—the pigment responsible for skin color—and provide some protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As keratinocytes move up from the stratum germinativum, they undergo a process called keratinization, where they lose their nuclei and become filled with keratin, ultimately forming the protective layers that we see on the surface of the skin.

The other layers mentioned, such as the stratum granulosum, stratum corneum, and stratum lucidum, refer to different stages of keratinocyte development and differentiation as they move toward the surface, but only the stratum germinativum specifically refers to the basal layer.