Stratum corneum

Stratum Corneum

Stratum Corneum

The Stratum Corneum is the outermost layer of the Epidermis, composed primarily of dead, keratinized cells. This layer plays a vital role in protecting the underlying tissues from environmental stressors, pathogens, and water loss. This article delves into the structure, formation, and biological significance of the Stratum Corneum.

Structure and Function

The Stratum Corneum consists of flattened, dead cells (corneocytes) that are filled with keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. These cells are tightly packed and layered to form a barrier that is both resilient and water-resistant. The primary functions of this layer include:

• Protection against mechanical stress and chemical damage
• Prevention of water loss
• Defense against microbial invasion

Formation and Keratinization

Keratinization Process

The formation of the Stratum Corneum is a part of the skin's natural renewal process, where new cells from the deeper layers of the epidermis move up to replace the old cells. This process involves:

• Keratinization, where living cells gradually fill with keratin and move upwards.
• Formation of a lipid barrier that helps in retaining moisture.
• Eventual shedding (desquamation) of the outermost cells.

Genetic Regulation and Protein Synthesis

The synthesis of keratin proteins is a complex process involving genetic regulation. An interesting aspect of this process is the role of the nonsense codon alignment at the A site in Ribosomes. When a nonsense codon aligns with the A site during Protein Synthesis, it signals the release factors to terminate translation, crucial for regulating the production of keratin and other proteins in the skin.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the Stratum Corneum can lead to various skin disorders, such as Eczema, Psoriasis, and Ichthyosis. Understanding its structure and function is critical for diagnosing and treating these conditions.

See Also

• Epidermis
• Keratin
• Dermatology

References

• Johnson, L. M., & Roberts, J. (2020). Stratum Corneum: Structure and Function in Health and Disease. Dermatologic Therapy, 33(1), e13189.
• Thompson, K., & Marks, R. (2021). Keratinization and the Stratum Corneum: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Anatomy, 238(4), 790-802.

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