The Stratum Basale is a layer of
skin located within the epidermis.
(The skin is also known as the "integument",
or "integumentary
system").
More specifically, the stratum basale is the deepest
later of the epidermis (outer-skin).
It consists of a single layer of
cuboidal (or “columnar”) keratinocytes. These keratinocytes
are able to continually divide. As they do so, the new cells push the
older cells up through the other layers of the epidermis to the surface
of the skin. The stratum basale also contains Langerhans cells, melanocytes,
and Merkel cells.
To view the location of stratum basale
relative to the other key components of the skin see:
Diagram
of the Structure of the Skin. This may be of particular interest
to students of courses in massage,
reflexology, beauty therapies, and other clinical courses. |
