CORNIFICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Cornification is a biological process that occurs primarily in the epidermal cells of the skin, hair, and nails, where these cells undergo a series of structural and molecular changes, leading to the formation of a tough, protective, and often keratinized layer. This process is commonly observed in various organisms, including humans and other vertebrates.
During cornification, the cells undergo a differentiation process known as keratinization, where they produce large amounts of keratin, a fibrous protein that provides strength and durability. This production of keratin leads to the formation of a dense network of proteins within the cells, resulting in increased rigidity and resistance to mechanical stress.
As cornification progresses, the cells lose their organelles, nucleus, and other vital structures, becoming flattened and tightly packed. The accumulation of keratin filaments in the cytoplasm contributes to the hardening and compaction of the cells, forming a protective layer on the skin's surface known as the stratum corneum.
Cornification plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and function of the skin and its appendages. It helps to prevent dehydration, protects against external factors like pathogens, chemicals, and physical damage, and assists in the regulation of body temperature. Additionally, cornification is responsible for the formation of hair, nails, feathers, and scales, which fulfill various functions, including sensory perception, insulation, and defense.
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1. Conversion into horn or a horny substance or tissue. 2. A callosity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CORNIFICATION
- carnification
- conrfication
- xornification
- vornification
- fornification
- dornification
- ckrnification
- clrnification
- cprnification
- c0rnification
- c9rnification
- coenification
- codnification
- cofnification
- cotnification
- co5nification
- co4nification
- corbification
- cormification
- corjification
Etymology of CORNIFICATION
The word "cornification" comes from the Latin word "cornu", which means "horn", and the suffix "-fication", derived from the Latin verb "facere", meaning "to make". Therefore, "cornification" literally means "to make horn-like". The term was originally used in dermatology to describe the process of cells undergoing structural and morphological changes to become hard and horn-like, often referring to the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. Today, "cornification" is still used in the context of skin biology and pathological conditions involving abnormal skin cell differentiation.
Similar spelling word for CORNIFICATION
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