Keratin Health Dictionary

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Keratin: From 3 Different Sources

A fibrous protein that is the main constituent of the tough outermost layer of the skin, nails, and hair.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
The substance of which horn and the surface layer of the skin are composed.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. one of a family of proteins that are the major constituents of the nails, hair, and the outermost layers of the skin. The cytoplasm of epithelial cells, including *keratinocytes, contains a network of keratin filaments.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Keratinisation

Deposition of KERATIN in cells, in particular those in the skin. The cells become horny and ?attened and lose their nuclei, forming hair and nails or hard areas of skin.... keratinisation

Keratinization

(cornification) n. the process by which cells become horny due to the deposition of *keratin within them. It occurs in the *epidermis of the skin and associated structures (hair, nails, etc.), where the cells become flattened, lose their nuclei, and are filled with keratin as they approach the surface.... keratinization

Keratinocyte

n. a type of cell that makes up 95% of the cells of the epidermis. Keratinocytes migrate from the deeper layers of the epidermis and are finally shed from the surface of the skin.... keratinocyte

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