What layer of the skin is responsible for producing new skin cells?

The layer of the skin responsible for producing new skin cells is the stratum germinativum, also known as the basal layer. This layer is located at the bottom of the epidermis and is crucial for skin regeneration. It contains actively dividing keratinocytes, which are the cells that produce keratin, a key protein that contributes to the protective barrier of the skin.

As these cells divide, they push older cells upwards through the layers of the epidermis, where they eventually become part of the outer protective layer, the stratum corneum. The stratum germinativum not only produces new skin cells but also contains melanocytes, which are responsible for pigment production, and Merkel cells that are involved in sensory perception.

In comparison, the other layers serve different functions. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer, consisting of dead, flattened cells that provide a protective barrier. The stratum spinosum is located above the stratum germinativum and provides strength and flexibility to the skin, while the stratum granulosum is involved in the process of keratinization, where cells begin to die and lose their nuclei, contributing to the skin's barrier function.