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orthokeratotic

Orthokeratotic is an adjective used in dermatopathology to describe a pattern of keratinization in the epidermis. It denotes that the stratum corneum consists of anucleate keratinocytes with a preserved granular layer, i.e., nuclei are absent from the outermost keratinocytes. This contrasts with parakeratosis, in which keratinocytes in the stratum corneum retain their nuclei.

Orthokeratosis can be part of normal skin histology, where the epidermis shows typical maturation and the stratum

Clinically, the presence of orthokeratosis is assessed on skin biopsy and helps to distinguish conditions in

Terminology: orthokeratotic derives from Greek orthos (correct) and keratos (horn, keratin). The related term parakeratotic describes

corneum
is
composed
of
anucleate
cells.
It
can
also
describe
a
form
of
hyperkeratosis
in
which
the
thickened
stratum
corneum
shows
orthokeratotic
rather
than
parakeratotic
keratinization.
The
term
orthokeratotic
hyperkeratosis
is
used
in
pathology
reports
to
specify
this
pattern.
the
differential
diagnosis
of
hyperkeratotic
skin
lesions,
alongside
other
histologic
features
such
as
acanthosis,
spongiosis,
and
the
status
of
the
granular
layer.
It
is
not
a
disease
by
itself
but
a
histological
descriptor
that
may
accompany
a
range
of
dermatologic
disorders.
persistence
of
nuclei
in
the
stratum
corneum.