malpighian layer

{{dictionary|date=May 2023}}

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The Malpighian layer (stratum mucosum or stratum malpighii) of the epidermis is generally defined as both the stratum basale (basal layer) and the thicker stratum spinosum (spinous layer/prickle cell layer) immediately above it as a single unit,McGrath, J.A.; Eady, R.A.; Pope, F.M. (2004). Rook's Textbook of Dermatology (Seventh Edition). Blackwell Publishing. Pages 3.1-3.6. {{ISBN|978-0-632-06429-8}}.[http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Malpighian+layer TheFreeDictionary > Malpighian layer] Citing: *Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 ed. 2007 although it is occasionally defined as the stratum basale specifically,[http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Malpighian+layer TheFreeDictionary > Malpighian layer] Citing: *The American Heritage Medical Dictionary 2007 or the stratum spinosum specifically.{{cite book|last1=Wilkinson|first1=P.F. Millington, R.|title=Skin|date=2009|publisher=Cambridge University Press|location=Cambridge|isbn=978-0-521-10681-8|page=49|edition=Digitally printed version}}

It is named after the Italian biologist and physician Marcello Malpighi.

Basal cell carcinoma originates from the basal layer of the stratum malpighii.

This layer is where almost all of the mitotic activity in the epidermis occurs. The activity of these cells is increased by IL-1 (interleukin-1) and epidermal growth factor. The activity is decreased by transforming growth factor beta.Mescher, A. L., Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. U. (2016). Junqueira's basic histology: Text and atlas (Fourteenth edition.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.