Is the third layer of the epidermis the basement membrane? Is this also called the stratum basale layer?

1 Answer
Jan 19, 2016

No, basement membrane is not the third layer of epidermis. And stratum basale is not basement membrane.

Explanation:

The skin is the heaviest organ of our body, It is composed of epidermis and dermis. The hypodermis, a layer of loose connective tissue beneath the dermis is not considered as a part of the skin.

The epidermis is a stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. It consists of 5 layers of Keratin-producing cells (keratinocytes) . From the dermis outward these are :
1. Stratum Basale
2. Stratum Spinosum
3. Stratum Granulosum
4. Stratum Lucidum
5. Stratum Corneum

The diagram below shows different layers of epidermis. The numbers 1 to 5 in the left indicates 5 layers as mentioned earlier.

The basement membrane of epidermis is also can be seen in this diagram. The basal layer (stratum basale) rests upon it.

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