Keratinocyte
Keratinocyte
Keratinocytes (pronounced: ker-uh-TIN-o-sites) are the primary type of cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They are named for the protein that they produce, keratin, which provides strength and resilience to the skin and underlying tissues.
Etymology
The term "keratinocyte" is derived from the Greek word "keras," meaning horn, and "kytos," meaning cell. This reflects the cell's primary function of producing keratin, a tough, fibrous protein that forms the main structural component of hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
Function
Keratinocytes are responsible for the production of keratin, a process known as keratinization. This process involves the transformation of keratinocytes from the basal layer of the epidermis to the surface of the skin, where they eventually die and are shed off. This cycle of cell production and replacement takes approximately one month.
Keratinocytes also play a crucial role in wound healing. When the skin is injured, keratinocytes at the edge of the wound begin to proliferate and migrate to cover the wound, a process known as re-epithelialization.
Related Terms
- Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, composed primarily of keratinocytes.
- Keratin: A tough, fibrous protein produced by keratinocytes.
- Keratinization: The process by which keratinocytes produce keratin and move from the basal layer of the epidermis to the surface of the skin.
- Re-epithelialization: The process by which keratinocytes proliferate and migrate to cover a wound.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Keratinocyte
- Wikipedia's article - Keratinocyte
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