Within the epithelium, there are two main types: keratinized and nonkeratinized. The difference between these two types lies in their structure and function. The keratinized epithelium is found in areas of the body that are subjected to friction, pressure, or abrasion, such as the skin and nails.
Keratinized epidermal cells are constantly shed and replaced. These hard, integumentary structures are formed by intercellular cementing of fibers formed from the dead, cornified cells generated by specialized beds deep within the skin. They typically present as a solitary, asymptomatic, pink or white umblicated papule on keratinized mucosa especially the hard palate and alveolar ridges. A warty or rough surface is noted in some lesions.
keratinized horn, The deeper cell layers of the epidermis proliferate, with the cells gradually passing towards the surface and becoming keratinized as they do so. The treatment is useful for heavily keratinized warts. Keratinized cells in the stratum corneum of the epidermis undergo a process called cornification, where they become flattened, anucleated, and filled with keratin filaments, forming the outermost protective barrier of the skin against the external environment.
