Structure
Corneocytes are polyhedral, anucleated cells without cytoplasmic organelles, interlocked with each other and organized as vertical columns of 10–30 cells and embedded within a highly hydrophobic lipid matrix to form the stratum corneum. Even if biologically dead they remain active, being filled with keratin, lipids, fatty acids and ceramides.
Corneocytes in the lower part of the stratum corneum are bridged together through specialized junctions (corneodesmosomes). Those junctions disintegrate as corneocytes migrate toward the surface of the skin and result in desquamation. At the same time, as those loosened junctions encounter more hydration, they will expand and connect together, forming potential entry pores for microorganisms across the stratum corneum.
The corneocyte cell layer (stratum corneum) can absorb three times its weight in water but if its water content drops below 10% it no longer remains pliable and cracks.
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