Keratinization

Keratinization (keratosis; synonym: keratinization, horny transformation) is the process of converting epithelial cells into horny scales.

During keratinization, the following changes occur in cells:

1. The cell nucleus collapses and disappears.

2. Fibrillar proteins keratin and keratohyalin accumulate in the cytoplasm.

3. The cell is filled with keratin filaments and becomes a flat horny scale.

4. The scales stick tightly together and form a multilayer keratinized layer.

Keratinization occurs in the skin and mucous membranes of the body. This process protects the underlying tissues from mechanical damage and the penetration of microorganisms.

Excessive keratinization is observed in some diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.

Keratinization is the process of formation of the stratum corneum of the skin or other tissues, which usually occurs as a result of aging and an increase in the number of keratinized cells. Cells become keratinized to protect against external influences, such as injury or infection, and to regulate body temperature. If the keratinization process is disrupted, various