Basal cell layer
The layer is made up of a single layer of basal cells. The cells of this layer are actively dividing to provide new cells to replenish lost skin from normal shedding. In hyperproliferative epidermis, this layer may be composed of two to three cells thick.
Synonyms: stratum basale epidermidis, stratum cylindricum, stratum germinativum.
Compare: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum.
See also: epidermis, Malpighian layer.