Keratin

keratin /ker·a·tin/ (ker´ah-tin) any of a family of scleroproteins that are the main constituents of epidermis, hair, nails, and horny tissues. The high-sulfur keratin polypeptides of ectodermally derived structures, e.g., hair and nails, are also called hard k's.

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ker·a·tin (kr-tn)

n.

Any of a group of scleroproteins or albuminoids that contain large amounts of sulfur and are the chief structural constituents of hair, nails, and other horny tissues.

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Keratin

A tough, nonwater-soluble protein found in the nails, hair, and the outermost layer of skin. Human hair is made up largely of keratin.

Mentioned in: Epidermolysis Bullosa, Ichthyosis, Keratosis Pilaris

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keratin (ker´tin),

n. an insoluble sulfur-containing protein with a high content of the amino acids tyrosine and leucine; the main component of epidermis, hair, nails, keratinized epithelium. It contains a relatively large amount of sulfur, is insoluble in the gastric juices, and is sometimes used for coating enteric pills that are intended to be dissolved only in the intestine.

keratin layer,

n the outer layer of cells of the epidermis, which contain a tough, fibrous protein (keratin). This layer acts as a protective barrier against outside elements.

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keratin

a scleroprotein which is the principal constituent of epidermis, hair, nails, horny tissues, and the organic matrix of the enamel of the teeth. Its solution is sometimes used in coating pills when the latter are desired to pass through the stomach unchanged.

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keratin cyst

see horn cyst.

keratin pearl

see horn pearls.

keratin tag

see fibrovascular papilloma.