Which epidermal layer contains living cells that divide to form new epidermal cells?

Which epidermal layer contains living cells that divide to form new epidermal cells?

• A. Stratum lucidum
• B. Stratum granulosum
• C. Stratum germinativum
• D. Stratum corneum

Answer: (C)

The living cells that continuously divide to form new epidermal cells are found in the deepest epidermal layer, the stratum germinativum. This basal layer sits right above the dermis and serves as the site of mitosis, producing new keratinocytes that migrate upward through the epidermis. As these cells move through the layers, they become progressively keratinized, eventually forming the outer, protective stratum corneum. The other layers are mainly composed of non-dividing or maturing cells: the stratum corneum is dead, the stratum lucidum (present only in thick skin) is a clear layer of dead cells, and the stratum granulosum contains cells already progressing toward keratinization but not dividing.

The living cells that continuously divide to form new epidermal cells are found in the deepest epidermal layer, the stratum germinativum. This basal layer sits right above the dermis and serves as the site of mitosis, producing new keratinocytes that migrate upward through the epidermis. As these cells move through the layers, they become progressively keratinized, eventually forming the outer, protective stratum corneum. The other layers are mainly composed of non-dividing or maturing cells: the stratum corneum is dead, the stratum lucidum (present only in thick skin) is a clear layer of dead cells, and the stratum granulosum contains cells already progressing toward keratinization but not dividing.