Cornified is an adjective used to describe a structure, tissue, or alternatively, cellular change, resulting in the hardening or thickening of a specific biological material, most commonly referring to the epidermal layer of the skin or other analogous structures in animals or plants.
Specifically, in the context of the skin, cornified refers to the process of keratinization or the transformation of living keratinocytes into dead, tough, and durable cells known as corneocytes. This transformation occurs as a natural part of the skin's development and maturation, forming the outermost layer called the stratum corneum, which provides a protective barrier against environmental factors such as water loss, pathogens, and mechanical stress.
In animals, cornification can also occur in structures other than skin, such as feathers, horns, hooves, or claws, resulting in their hard and sturdy nature. Within plants, cornification typically pertains to the thickening or hardening of certain tissues, like the cuticle or the bark, which reinforce and protect the plant from external stressors and pathogens.
Overall, the term cornified refers to a process or state where a structure or tissue undergoes physical changes, making it harder, tougher, or more resistant to various external influences, ultimately fulfilling a protective function.
