D. Stratum germinativum – Explanation
| Epidermis – 5 layers – bottom layer = stratum germinativum which gives rise to keratinocytes and contains melanocytes |
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of a stratified squamous
epithelium with an
underlying basal lamina
It may be divided in to five layers:
| Layer | Description |
| Stratum corneum | Flat, dead, scale-like cells filled with keratin. Continually shed. |
| Stratum lucidum | Clear layer – present in thick skin only. |
| Stratum granulosum | Cells form links with neighbours. |
| Stratum spinosum | Squamous cells begin keratin synthesis. Thickest layer of epidermis. |
| Stratum germinativum | The basement membrane – single layer of columnar epithelial cells. Gives rise to keratinocytes. Contains melanocytes. |
