The stratum basale, also called the stratum germinativum, is the basal (base) layer of the epidermis. It is the layer that's closest to the blood supply lying underneath the epidermis.

Where is the stratum basale located?

Stratum basale, also known as stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer, separated from the dermis by the basement membrane (basal lamina) and attached to the basement membrane by hemidesmosomes.

Which cells are found in the stratum basale?

The stratum basale is a single layer of cells primarily made of basal cells. A basal cell is a cuboidal-shaped stem cell that is a precursor of the keratinocytes of the epidermis. All of the keratinocytes are produced from this single layer of cells, which are constantly going through mitosis to produce new cells.