Keratinocytes are the skin cells that produce keratin.
Keratinocytes are the primary cell type found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They originate from the basal layer and, as they move towards the surface, they differentiate and produce large amounts of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. This keratin, along with lipids, forms the epidermal water barrier, which is crucial for protecting the body from dehydration and external environmental factors.
Here's a breakdown:
- Keratinocytes: The workhorses of the epidermis, dedicated to keratin production.
- Keratin: A structural protein that provides strength and impermeability to the skin.
- Epidermis: The outer layer of skin where keratinocytes reside and function.
Therefore, the answer is definitively keratinocytes.
