Why Is Skin Keratinized?

Hyperkeratinization

which occurs because of chronic irritation is due to higher rate of proliferation of the epithelial cells. Decreased keratinization or lack of keratin production is due to failure of the epithelial cells to undergo complete differentiation and maturation to the point of keratin formation.

Why is the epidermis Keratinized?

- 1 - the keratinocytes:

compose most of the epidermis. They produce a protein: the keratin that helps waterproof the skin and that protects the skin and the underlying tissues from heat, microbes, abrasion and chemicals.

How is skin Keratinized?

Keratinization refers to the cytoplasmic events that occur in the cytoplasm of epidermal keratinocytes during their terminal differentiation. It involves the formation of keratin polypeptides and their polymerization into keratin intermediate filaments (tonofilaments). ... Keratins additional to a pair are sometimes found.