What is the function of Corneocyte?

Layers of corneocytes produce high mechanical strength which allows epidermis of the skin to perform its function as a physical, chemical and immunological barrier. For example, corneocytes act as UV barrier by reflecting the scattered UV radiation, protecting cells inside the body from apoptosis and DNA damage.

What is the difference between corneocytes and keratinocytes?

Keratinocytes are living cells, while corneocytes are dead cells. So, this is the key difference between keratinocytes and corneocytes. Corneocytes originate from keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are found in the basal layer of the epidermis while corneocytes are found in the outermost layer of the epidermis.

What is Corneodesmosomes?

Corneodesmosomes are the main intercellular adhesive structures in the stratum corneum. They are transformed from desmosomes at the most superficial layer of the stratum granulosum of the epidermis. The major compositional distinction from desmosomes is the presence of corneodesmosin in the extracellular portion.

Which fills the gaps between corneocytes?

The barrier function is strongly related to the property of intercellular lipids, which fill the gaps between corneocytes. In the stratum corneum in three-dimensional cultured skin models, however, the structure of intercellular lipids is considered to be incomplete.

How is the cornified envelope of a corneocyte formed?

The cornified envelope is a protein shell that surrounds each corneocyte. Its thickness varies between 15 and 20 nm. The highly insoluble cornified envelope is formed by cross-linking of soluble precursor proteins such as loricrin, involucrin, envoplakin and periplakin.

How is lotion used to treat corneocyte?

— Peter M. Elias et al. Depending on their skin type, patients receive either a lotion or cream formulation for at-home use to help diminish corneocyte cohesion, prevent re-thickening of the stratum corneum, and stimulate collagen development. — Cheryl Guttman

How does the intercellular lipid layer help the corneocyte?

The intercellular lipid layer helps prevent the loss of natural moisturizing factor by sealing the outside of each corneocyte. Although stratum corneum is mostly composed of corneocytes, other supporting structures are present in the extracellular matrix to assist in the function of stratum corneum. These include:

What causes corneocyte clumps on the surface of the skin?

(February 2017) Dry skin ( xerosis) involves increased thickness of stratum corneum ( hyperkeratosis ), which may occur due to various reasons including aging, humidity of the environment or UV irradiation. The accumulation of corneocyte clumps on the surface of the skin may lead to abnormal detachment of squames as visible clusters.