Keratinization (Keratinit.Auon), keratinization (Cornification) is a process that occurs in the tissues of the body and leads to the formation of horny cells. These cells contain keratin, a protein that provides the strength and elasticity of horny tissue. Keratinization is an important process to protect the body from external factors such as water, cold, heat, injury and infection.
Keratinization occurs in the epidermis of the skin, where skin cells go through several developmental stages before becoming horny cells. In the initial stages, skin cells have nuclei and contain many mitochondria, which provide energy to the cells. However, as the cells get closer to the surface of the skin, they begin to lose their nuclei and mitochondria, and also begin to synthesize large amounts of keratin. This process causes the cells to become flatter, their structure becomes more compact, and keratin fills all the holes between the cells. The cells eventually develop into horn cells, which provide protection to the skin.
Keratinization also occurs in other structures of the body such as hair and nails. Hair consists of a shaft, which consists of horn cells, and a root, which contains living cells. Nails are also composed of horn cells that grow from the matrix of the nail bed.
Overall, keratinization is an important process to protect the body from external factors. This process provides strength and elasticity to horny tissues such as skin, hair and nails. It also helps keep these tissues elastic and healthy looking.