GENERAL HISTOLOGY

INTEGUMENTERY SYSTEM

DERMIS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
What cell produces a protein allows for waterproofing of the skin, nails, and hair?
A
Keratinocytes
B
Melanocytes
C
Merkel (Tactile) Cells
D
Langerhans (Dendritic) cell
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Within this layer are the basal cells that have been pushed upward, however these maturing cells are now called squamous cells, or keratinocytes. Keratinocytes produce keratin, a tough, protective protein that makes up the majority of the structure of the skin, hair, and nails.

Detailed explanation-2: -Keratinocytes differentiate from epidermal stem cells in the lower part of the epidermis and migrate towards the surface, finally becoming corneocytes and eventually be shed off, which happens every 40 to 56 days in humans.

Detailed explanation-3: -Hair is composed of 95% keratin, a fibrous and helical protein (in the shape of a helix), which is part of the composition of the skin and of all the phanera (hair, nails, etc.). Synthesized by keratinocytes, keratin is insoluble in water, thus ensuring waterproofing and protection for hair.

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