Basalzellen

Basalzellen are a type of cell found in various biological tissues. In the context of skin, basal cells, also known as basal keratinocytes, form the deepest layer of the epidermis, the stratum basale. This layer is a single row of actively dividing cells. Their primary role is to produce new keratinocytes, which then migrate upwards to the surface of the skin, eventually shedding. This continuous renewal process is crucial for skin repair and regeneration.

Basal cells contain stem cells that give rise to all the keratinocytes in the epidermis. Damage to this layer can impair skin healing. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, originates from these cells.

In other contexts, the term "basal cell" can refer to cells at the base of other structures. For example, in some glands, basal cells might be found at the bottom of the secretory units. Their specific function in these locations would depend on the tissue and organ involved. However, the most common and widely understood reference to basal cells is within the skin's epidermis.