exfoliation

exfoliation /ex·fo·li·a·tion/ (eks-fo?le-a´shun)

1. a falling off in scales or layers.

2. the removal of scales or flakes from the surface of the skin.

3. the normal loss of primary teeth after loss of their root structure.exfo´liative

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lamellar exfoliation of newborn  a congenital hereditary disorder in which the infant (collodion baby) is born entirely covered with a collodion- or parchment-like membrane that peels off within 24 hours, after which there may be complete healing, or the scales may re-form and the process be repeated; in the more severe form, the infant (harlequin fetus) is entirely covered with thick, horny, armor-like scales, and is usually stillborn or dies soon after birth.

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ex·fo·li·a·tion (ks-fl-shn)

n.

1. Detachment and shedding of superficial cells of an epithelium or a tissue surface.

2. Scaling or desquamation of the horny layer of epidermis.

3. Loss of deciduous teeth following physiological loss of root structure.

4. Extrusion of permanent teeth as a result of disease or loss of opposing teeth.

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ex·foli·ate v.

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exfoliation (eksfō´lēā´shn),

n the physiologic loss of the primary dentition. Also called shedding.

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exfoliation

a falling off in scales or layers.