cornificado

Cornificado is a term used in dermatology to describe tissue that has undergone cornification, the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes that forms the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. The word comes from Latin cornificare, meaning “to horn,” reflecting the horn-like characteristics of the mature outer cells.

During cornification, keratinocytes migrate from the basal layer toward the surface, flatten, and lose their nuclei. They become corneocytes, which are packed with keratin and surrounded by a protein-rich cornified envelope and a lipid-rich matrix. This arrangement creates a tough, water-impermeable barrier that protects underlying tissues from mechanical injury, prevents excessive water loss, and helps defend against pathogen entry. The process is regulated by a network of structural proteins, such as loricrin and involucrin, and by enzymes that cross-link these components.

Normal cornification occurs in a regulated, gradual cycle, with complete turnover of the stratum corneum taking about a month in humans. Disruptions in cornification can lead to skin disorders characterized by abnormal keratinization, dry or scaly skin, and altered barrier function. Examples include ichthyosis and other hyperkeratotic conditions, as well as certain forms of dermatitis where cornification is affected. Understanding cornification is central to dermatology, as it underpins both healthy skin physiology and many cutaneous diseases. See also: cornification, stratum corneum, keratinization.