Basal cells
Basal Cells
Basal cells (pronunciation: /ˈbeɪsəl sɛlz/) are a type of cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They are responsible for the production of new skin cells and are located in the basal layer of the skin, which is the lowest layer of the epidermis.
Etymology
The term "basal" comes from the Latin word "basis", which means "base" or "foundation". This is because basal cells are located at the base of the epidermis. The term "cell" comes from the Latin "cella", meaning "small room", which is a reference to the microscopic nature of cells.
Function
Basal cells play a crucial role in skin health. They continuously divide and push older cells toward the surface of the skin, where they eventually die and are sloughed off. This process is known as cell turnover and it helps to maintain the skin's protective barrier against environmental damage.
Related Terms
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells. It is the most common type of skin cancer.
- Basal Layer: The deepest layer of the epidermis, where basal cells are located.
- Cell Turnover: The process by which new cells are produced and old cells are shed from the skin.
- Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, which contains the basal cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Basal cells
- Wikipedia's article - Basal cells
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