Answer
The lowest ( nearest to the dermis) layer of the epidermis is called variously the stratum basale and the stratum germinativum. This is the epidermal layer that has the stem cells that continuously divide to resupply the cells in the upper layers as that mature, become more keratinized, and are removed by normal wear and tear, or by abrasion, or more serious physical trauma.
Work Step by Step
The epidermis normally has five layers of more or less keratinized squamous epithelial cells. These layers from outer surface dermis-ward, in thick skin, are stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale ( or stratum germinativum). Stem cells reside in the last named layer.
