keratinisaatio

Keratinization is a biological process by which cells in the outer layer of the skin and other epithelia become filled with the protein keratin. This process is crucial for the formation of the skin's protective barrier. Keratinization begins when cells in the stratum spinosum of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) start to produce keratin filaments. These filaments are then bundled together to form intermediate filaments, which provide structural support to the cell. As the cells move towards the surface of the skin, they continue to produce keratin, eventually filling the cytoplasm with this protein. This process is accompanied by the breakdown of organelles and other cellular components, leaving behind a tough, water-resistant layer of dead cells. The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, is composed entirely of keratinized cells. This layer acts as a barrier, protecting the underlying tissues from environmental factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and water loss. Keratinization is a continuous process, with new cells constantly being produced in the deeper layers of the epidermis and moving towards the surface to replace the old, keratinized cells. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of the skin.