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vernix

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
vernix /ver·nix/ (ver´niks) [L.] varnish.
vernix caseo´sa  an unctuous substance composed of sebum and desquamated epithelial cells, which covers the skin of the fetus.

vernix [ver´niks] (L.)
varnish.
vernix caseo´sa the thick white substance composed of sebum and desquamated epithelial cells that provides a protective covering for the skin of the fetus. In the full-term newborn, during the first two or three days of life there is a small amount of vernix caseosa in body creases and the hair.

vernix
[L.] varnish.

vernix caseosa
the unctuous substance composed of sebum and desquamated epithelial cells, covering the skin of the fetus.


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An artificial version of vernix caseosa could speed up wound healing and treat eczema.
Natural vernix caseosa contains a mixture of fatty compounds that waterproof the foetus.
This reabsorbing act of the vernix prevents the baby from dry patches on skin.
 
 
 
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