Term Name: cornification
Synonyms:
Definition: A type of programmed cell death that occurs in the epidermis, morphologically and biochemically distinct from apoptosis. It leads to the formation of corneocytes, i.e. dead keratinocytes containing an amalgam of specific proteins (e.g., keratin, loricrin, SPR and involucrin) and lipids (e.g., fatty acids and ceramides), which are necessary for the function of the cornified skin layer (mechanical resistance, elasticity, water repellence and structural stability).
Ontology: GO: Biological Process [GO:0070268]    QuickGO    AmiGO

Relationships
is part of: keratinization
is a type of: programmed cell death
has_part: cornified envelope assembly
negatively regulated by: negative regulation of cornification
positively regulated by: positive regulation of cornification
regulated by: regulation of cornification