Final answer:
True. The stratum basale is anchored to the basement membrane and is the primary location for mitosis, creating new keratinocytes and housing Merkel cells and melanocytes.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. The stratum basale is indeed the epidermal layer anchored to the basement membrane and the primary site of active cell division or Mitosis. This layer of the epidermis is responsible for generating new cells. Basal cells, which are stem cells found in the stratum basale, divide to form keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the epidermis. These new keratinocytes are initially cube-shaped and contain little to no keratin. As they are produced, they are pushed upward by the formation of new cells beneath them.
Within the stratum basale, other cell types such as Merkel cells, which function as touch receptors, and melanocytes, which produce melanin to give skin and hair their color and protect against UV radiation, can also be found. The connection between the epidermis and dermis is reinforced by dermal papillae, which increases with greater folding, strengthening the bond between these layers.