Question:

What constitutes the Malpighian layer of the epidermis?

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The Malpighian (germinative) layer is the two deepest viable epidermal layers.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Stratum corneum and stratum lucidum
  • Stratum corneum and stratum spinosum
  • Stratum spinosum and stratum basale
  • Stratum basale and stratum granulosum
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: The epidermis has, from deep to superficial, the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum and stratum corneum.
Step 2: The Malpighian layer, also called the stratum malpighii, is the deeper, viable, metabolically active part of the epidermis. It is classically defined as the stratum basale together with the stratum spinosum taken as a unit.
Step 3: These two layers contain the dividing basal keratinocytes and the prickle cells joined by desmosomes, which give rise to the cells of the more superficial layers.
Step 4: Therefore the correct answer is stratum spinosum and stratum basale. The corneum, lucidum and granulosum belong to the more superficial, increasingly keratinised layers and are not part of the Malpighian layer.
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