What is the deepest layer of skin cells that is adjacent to the dermis called?

The deepest layer of skin cells that is adjacent to the dermis is known as the basal layer. This layer, also referred to as the stratum basale, is crucial because it is where new skin cells are generated. It contains basal cells that undergo mitosis, allowing for the continuous renewal of the skin. As these cells divide, they gradually move upwards through the different layers of the epidermis to eventually reach the surface, where they differentiate and die. The adjacency to the dermis is significant because the basal layer receives nutrients and support from the dermal layer below, which is vital for cell health and overall skin integrity.

The other options refer to different layers or structures in the skin but do not accurately describe the deepest layer adjacent to the dermis. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, primarily composed of dead cells and does not connect directly to the dermis. Dermal papillae are small, nipple-like projections that extend into the epidermis from the dermis and play a role in nutrient delivery and sensory function, but they are not a layer of skin cells themselves. Lastly, the stratum granulosum is a layer above the basal layer that contains cells undergoing a process of ker