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keratinization

keratinization

9.9
Cells become hard and form hair, nails, or the outer layer of skin
  • noun
  • /ˌkɛrəˌtɪnɪˈzeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : queratinización
  • The process of keratinization is essential for the formation of our nails and hair, providing strength.

Examples

  • The effect of glans keratinization on human sexuality has never been studied.

    Blog text (8)
  • Keratinization occurs when keratinization is deposited in skin cells, making them hard and protective.

  • Inflammatory cells, as well as ghost or shadow cells formed by the keratinization of basaloid cells, are sometimes seen (figure).

    Academic text (1999)
  • Ichthyosis vulgaris refers to a group of cutaneous disorders of keratinization.

    Academic text (2007)
  • This highly specialized tissue normally covers the glans and protects it from abrasion, drying, callusing (keratinization), and contaminants of all kinds.

    Blog text (8)
  • In the outer layer of skin, keratinization helps to create a tough barrier against environmental damage.

How Keratinized

hyperkeratosis
  • Specialized
1 9.3
keratinization
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

keratinization = keratinize (transparent) = keratin + ize + ation

Formed by regular successive derivation: keratin + -ize -> keratinize, then + -ation to denote the process.

Etymology

Keratinization comes from keratin, which comes from an old Greek word keras meaning 'horn', and the ending -ation meaning 'a process'. That's why keratinization is the process that makes cells hard and 'horn'-like, as in nails, hair, and the outer layer of the skin.