Innermost layer of the epidermis, containing dividing cells and melanocytes (pigment cells) that resupply the outer skin layers. The outer part of this layer forms a prickle-cell portion with cells connected by spines or intercellular bridges; the inner part of this layer is the basal layer with dividing cells; also called stratum basale.
The innermost layer of the epidermis; a row of cuboidal cells that divide to replace the rest of the epidermis as it wears away. It is part of the stratum malpighii.