Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam

What is the name of the skin layer that produces melanin?

1. Stratum corneum

2. Stratum lucidum

3. Stratum germinativum

4. Stratum granulosum

The correct answer is: Stratum germinativum

The stratum germinativum, also known as the basal layer, is the deepest layer of the epidermis and is responsible for the production of melanin. This layer contains melanocytes, which are specialized cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. The melanin produced in this layer is crucial for protecting the skin against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In addition to melanin production, the stratum germinativum is also involved in the continual regeneration of skin cells, as it contains basal cells that divide and migrate up through the layers of the epidermis. This process ensures that new cells are continually produced to replace dead or damaged cells on the skin’s surface. The other skin layers listed do not have the primary function of producing melanin. The stratum corneum serves as the outermost barrier of dead skin cells, the stratum lucidum is a thin layer found only in specific areas of thick skin, and the stratum granulosum is where cells begin to lose their nuclei and accumulate keratin. Each layer has distinct functions that contribute to the overall health and protection of the skin, but it is the stratum germinativum that is specifically responsible for melanin production