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Definition

noun

The innermost layer of the epidermis comprised of cells capable of proliferating by mitosis.

Supplement

The germinative layer is composed of basal (germinative) cells. The cells of this layer are actively dividing to provide new cells to replenish lost skin from normal shedding.

Synonyms: stratum germinativum, stratum basale epidermidis, stratum cylindricum, basal cell layer.
Compare: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum.
See also: epidermis, Malpighian layer.