Which molecules form mortar between corneocytes?

Prepare for the VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare Test. Revise with flashcards and multiple choice questions, accompanied by insightful explanations. Ace your assessment with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which molecules form mortar between corneocytes?

The intercellular lipids between corneocytes form the mortar that holds the brick-like cells in the outer skin layer together. The corneocytes are the dead, flattened cells in the stratum corneum, and the lipid matrix filling the spaces between them acts as cement, creating cohesion and a barrier. This lipid layer, rich in ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, is organized into lamellar sheets that seal the spaces and resist water loss. Water wouldn’t provide durable cohesion, and proteins are within the cells themselves, while carbohydrates aren’t the primary component of the intercellular cement.

The intercellular lipids between corneocytes form the mortar that holds the brick-like cells in the outer skin layer together. The corneocytes are the dead, flattened cells in the stratum corneum, and the lipid matrix filling the spaces between them acts as cement, creating cohesion and a barrier. This lipid layer, rich in ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, is organized into lamellar sheets that seal the spaces and resist water loss. Water wouldn’t provide durable cohesion, and proteins are within the cells themselves, while carbohydrates aren’t the primary component of the intercellular cement.

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