Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

Which layer of the skin is referred to as the basal layer?

1. Stratum Corneum

2. Stratum Germinativum

3. Dermis

4. Subcutaneous layer

The correct answer is: Stratum Germinativum

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin, not the basal layer. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin, not the basal layer. The subcutaneous layer is the deepest layer of the skin, not the basal layer. The basal layer is also known as the stratum germinativum and is the bottom-most layer of the epidermis. It is responsible for cell division and renewal, making it an important layer for skin health and function. This layer contains individual cells that produce the pigment melanin, which gives skin its color. It also contains stem cells that can differentiate into different types of cells in the skin, such as keratinocytes and melanocytes. These cells then migrate upward to form the layers above the basal layer.