What anchors the stratum basale to basement membrane?

The stratum basale, the deepest layer of the epidermis, is anchored to the basement membrane primarily by hemidesmosomes. These structures are specialized adhesion complexes that connect the keratinocytes of the stratum basale to the extracellular matrix components of the basement membrane, such as laminin and type IV collagen. This connection is crucial for maintaining the integrity and stability of the epidermis. Additionally, integrins in the hemidesmosomes play a key role in this anchoring process.