General Anatomy · Integumentary System · Hard
Keratinocyte
Meaning: The main cell type of the outer skin layer, producing the tough fibrous protein found in hair and nails.
In practice: Squamous cell carcinoma arises from an abnormal keratinocyte in sun-damaged skin.
Word parts
- -cyte means a cell
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related general anatomy words.
Which word means: Small bone embedded within a tendon, like the patella or those beneath the first metatarsal head.
Answer: Sesamoid
Which word means: The tough double-layered sac surrounding the heart and the roots of the great vessels.
Answer: Pericardium
Words like keratinocyte come up in the daily game
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