Corneocytes: Relationship between Structural and Biomechanical Properties

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Skin is the interface between an organism and external environment, hence stratum corneum (SC) first to withstand mechanical insults that, in certain conditions, may lead integrity loss development of pressure ulcers. The SC comprises corneocytes, which are vital elements its barrier function. These cells differentiated dead keratinocytes, without organelles, composed a cornified envelope keratin-filled interior, connected by corneodesmosomes (CDs). <b><i>Summary:</i></b> current review focusses on relationship morphological, structural, topographical features corneocytes their properties, understand how they assist maintaining skin responding insults. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Corneocytes create distinct regions SC: inner characterized immature with fragile uniform distribution CDs; upper has resilient envelopes honeycomb CDs, greater surface area smaller thickness than from layer. literature indicates that this upward maturation process one most important steps resistance function SC. morphology these dependent body site: non-exposed about 1,000–1,200 ?m<sup>2</sup>, while for exposed skin, example, cheek forehead, 700–800 ?m<sup>2</sup>. stiff compared other cellular types, Young’s modulus muscle fibroblast typically few kPa, reported be hundreds MPa. Moreover, have 2 regions: (100–250 MPa) keratin matrix (250–500 MPa).