What type of cells are primarily found in the basal layer of the epidermis?

The basal layer of the epidermis, also known as the stratum basale, is primarily made up of keratinocytes. These cells are responsible for producing keratin, a protein that helps to form the protective outer layer of the skin. The keratinocytes in the basal layer are actively dividing, providing a continuous supply of new cells that migrate upwards to replenish the outer layers of skin as they are shed.

Melanocytes, although present in the epidermis, are not the predominant cell type in the basal layer. They are specifically involved in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, and are interspersed among keratinocytes rather than comprising the majority of the cell population.

Adipocytes are fat cells found in the subcutaneous layer below the skin, not within the epidermis itself.

Langerhans cells, which play a role in the immune response as part of the skin's defense system, are also found in the epidermis but are not the main cell type in the basal layer.

Recognizing the role of keratinocytes helps to understand the fundamental processes of skin biology, including renewal and protective functions.