Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which layer of the epidermis is responsible for cell turnover?

1. Stratum corneum

2. Stratum basale

3. Stratum lucidum

4. Stratum granulosum

The correct answer is: Stratum basale

The layer of the epidermis responsible for cell turnover is the stratum basale. This is the deepest layer of the epidermis, where new skin cells are generated through the process of mitosis. As these new cells are produced, they push older cells upward through the layers of the epidermis. The stratum basale is crucial for maintaining the overall structure and function of the skin, as it continuously replenishes the cells that are shed from the outermost layer, ensuring that the skin remains healthy and resilient. This regeneration process is vital not only for replacing dead or damaged cells but also for the skin's ability to heal and protect itself from external factors such as pathogens and environmental damage. Other layers, such as the stratum corneum, are involved in protecting the skin and containing dead skin cells, while the stratum granulosum and stratum lucidum play roles in the maturation of cells and providing a barrier, but they do not initiate the turnover process.