vernix /ver·nix/ (ver´niks) [L.] varnish.
vernix caseosa
vernix caseosa
vernix caseo´sa an unctuous substance composed of sebum and desquamated epithelial cells, which covers the skin of the fetus.
ver·nix ca·se·o·sa (vûr n ks k  s - s )n. The substance consisting of desquamated epithelial cells and sebaceous matter that covers the skin of the fetus. |
vernix caseosa
[vur′niks kas′ē·ō′sə]
Etymology: Gk, resin; L, caseus, cheese
a grayish-white cheeselike substance, consisting of sebaceous gland secretions, lanugo, and desquamated epithelial cells, that covers the skin of the fetus and newborn. It acts as a protective agent during intrauterine life and is thought to have an insulating effect against heat loss.
vernix
[L.] varnish.
vernix caseosa
the unctuous substance composed of sebum and desquamated epithelial cells, covering the skin of the fetus.
vernix caseosa
Neonatology A white fatty goo composed of squames, lanugo, and sebaceous secretions, which covers and protects neonatal skin; the closer to term the infant, the less the VC; post-term infants have very little VC
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