corneum
Dead cell layer
Corneum is the outermost layer of the skin, more fully called the stratum corneum.
It consists of dead, flattened cells filled with keratin that form a protective barrier against the environment.
The term comes from a Latin word meaning horn, reflecting the layer's tough, horn-like quality.
Horizontal layer of material
- epidermisOutermost tissue layer
- dermisLiving tissue under epidermis
- melanocytesPigment-producing skin cells
- papillaryHaving small projections
reticular · hypodermis · basal · squamous · lamellar · cutaneous · histology
Structural hair protein
- lipidsWater-insoluble biomolecules
- ceramidesWaxy lipids in skin barrier
- cholesterolWaxy lipid in blood
- envelopeFolded paper enclosure
lamellae · filaments · cytoskeleton · matrix · intercellular · bilayers · bricks · mortar
Losing outer covering
- exfoliationShedding surface skin cells
- flakesThin, flat pieces
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- renewalMaking current again
sloughing · dead · cells · differentiation · migration · cycle · regeneration
Ability to transmit fluids
- waterproofImpervious to moisture
- moistureSmall amounts of liquid
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
- occlusionComplete closure or blockage
impermeability · homeostasis · diffusion · absorption · penetration · retention · prevention · defense
stratum
Horizontal layer of material
- epidermisOutermost tissue layer
- dermisLiving tissue under epidermis
- melanocytesPigment-producing skin cells
papillary · reticular · hypodermis · basal · squamous · lamellar · cutaneous · histology
keratin
Structural hair protein
- lipidsWater-insoluble biomolecules
- ceramidesWaxy lipids in skin barrier
- cholesterolWaxy lipid in blood
envelope · lamellae · filaments · cytoskeleton · matrix · intercellular · bilayers · bricks · mortar
shedding
Losing outer covering
- exfoliationShedding surface skin cells
- flakesThin, flat pieces
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
renewal · sloughing · dead · cells · differentiation · migration · cycle · regeneration
permeability
Ability to transmit fluids
- waterproofImpervious to moisture
- moistureSmall amounts of liquid
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
occlusion · impermeability · homeostasis · diffusion · absorption · penetration · retention · prevention · defense
moisturizer
Hydrating skin cream
- humectantMoisture-attracting substance
- emollientSubstance that softens skin
- exfoliantSkin-sloughing substance
retinoid · AHA · glycolic · salicylic · urea · hydration · dryness · flakiness · roughness · smoothness
- corneal transplantSurgical replacement of eye's clear front
- cornea transplantSurgical replacement of damaged eye covering
- scratched corneaWound on eye's surface