Basal cells

Basal cells are a layer of mitotically active epithelial progenitor/stem cells found attached to the basement membrane in stratified and pseudostratified epithelia (e.g., skin, airways, prostate). They divide to give rise to cells that differentiate and move upward to replenish the superficial layers. In the airway, they are major stem cells capable of regenerating both ciliated and secretory cells after injury.