Where does keratinization of the epidermis begin?

Prepare for the CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Get exam ready!

Keratinization of the epidermis begins in the stratum basale. This is the deepest layer of the epidermis, where keratinocytes, the primary cells of the epidermis, are produced. As these cells undergo mitosis, they push older cells toward the surface of the skin. Throughout this process, the keratinocytes start to produce keratin, a fibrous protein that is crucial for the protective barrier of the skin.

As keratinocytes move upwards through the layers of the epidermis, they undergo various changes, including flattening and accumulating more keratin, until they eventually reach the outer layer, the stratum corneum, where they will be shed. This process is essential for maintaining skin integrity and protecting against environmental damage. The initiation of keratinization at the stratum basale sets the stage for this vital renewal process of the skin's outer layer.

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