The Stratum Basale (Basal Cell Layer)

Stratum basale, the deepest layer of the epidermis, is composed of a single layer of columnar or cuboidal cells that have ovoid nuclei and basophilic cytoplasm with tonofibrils. This layer is separated from the underlying connective tissue of the dermis by a basement membrane. Active cell mitosis in the stratum basale is responsible for the continual renewal of the epithelium.