korneosyyte

Korneosyytti is a term used in biology and medicine to refer to a cell that is rich in keratin. Keratin is a tough, fibrous structural protein that is a key component of the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails in mammals. These cells are typically found in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.

In the skin, korneosyytti are the final differentiated form of keratinocytes. As these cells mature and move towards the surface of the skin, they undergo a process called keratinization, where they lose their nucleus and organelles and become flattened, dead cells filled with keratin. This layer of dead, keratin-filled cells forms a protective barrier against environmental insults, preventing water loss and the entry of pathogens.

The term korneosyytti is also sometimes used more broadly to describe any cell that has accumulated a significant amount of keratin. This can occur in various pathological conditions affecting the skin or other keratin-producing tissues. For example, in certain skin diseases, there may be an abnormal accumulation of korneosyytti, leading to thickened or scaly skin. The study of korneosyytti is important for understanding skin health and disease.