keratinizing
Becoming tough protein
Keratinizing describes tissue that is producing or becoming filled with keratin—the tough, fibrous protein that forms hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
The term appears mainly in medical and biological contexts: keratinizing squamous epithelium, a keratinizing cyst.
Cells that keratinize harden and lose their nuclei as they fill with protein.
Outermost tissue layer
- epitheliumTissue covering body surfaces
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- granulesSmall discrete particles
- cytoskeletonInternal protein support structure
Fibrous scalp covering
- nailsMetal fasteners, finger coverings
- hornsBony animal projections
- hoovesUngulate foot coverings
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
scales · claws · beaks · quills · baleen · wool · fur · talons
Abnormal tissue firmness
- tougheningMaking more resistant
- stiffeningBecoming less pliable
- densificationIncreasing mass per volume
- consolidationCombining into unified whole
Obstruction preventing passage
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- armorProtective combat covering
- shieldingProtecting from harm
epidermis
Outermost tissue layer
- epitheliumTissue covering body surfaces
- differentiationRecognizing meaningful differences
- granulesSmall discrete particles
hair
Fibrous scalp covering
feathers · scales · claws · beaks · quills · baleen · wool · fur · talons · antlers
induration
Abnormal tissue firmness
- tougheningMaking more resistant
- stiffeningBecoming less pliable
- densificationIncreasing mass per volume
barrier
Obstruction preventing passage
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- armorProtective combat covering
shielding · impermeability · thermoregulation · antimicrobial
keratinizingsoftening
Becoming less firm
macerating · liquefying · degenerating · dissolving · sloughing
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