keratinosyyttejä

Keratinosyyttejä, or keratinocytes, are the primary cell type found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They are a type of epithelial cell responsible for producing keratin, a tough, fibrous protein that forms the structural basis of the skin, hair, and nails. These cells originate in the basal layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum basale. As they mature and migrate upwards towards the skin's surface, they undergo a process called keratinization.

During keratinization, keratinocytes flatten, lose their organelles, and accumulate keratin. This transformation results in the formation of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, which consists of dead keratinocytes. This barrier serves crucial functions, including protection against mechanical damage, pathogens, and dehydration. Keratinocytes also play a role in wound healing and the skin's immune response. Their continuous proliferation and differentiation are essential for maintaining the integrity and health of the skin.