Where does mitosis, or cell division, take place in the skin?

Mitosis, or cell division, occurs primarily in the stratum germinativum, also known as the stratum basale. This layer is the deepest part of the epidermis and is located above the dermis. It consists of living cells that actively divide to replace the cells that shed from the outermost layer of the skin. This continuous process is essential for maintaining the health and integrity of the skin, as it helps heal wounds and renew the surface.

The stratum germinativum contains keratinocytes that proliferate and move upward through the layers of the skin, eventually differentiating into other types of cells. This process ensures the skin remains resilient and can perform its protective functions.

In contrast, other layers of the skin, such as the stratum corneum, stratum spinosum, and stratum lucidum, do not actively undergo mitosis. The stratum corneum consists of dead, flattened cells that have already undergone keratinization. The stratum spinosum has some cell division, but the primary site of mitosis is the stratum germinativum. The stratum lucidum, found only in thick skin, serves more of a structural role rather than being involved in cell division