keratin

(ker′ăt-ĭn)

To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.

[kerato- + -in]
Any of the durable protein polymers that are found only in epithelial cells and provide structural strength to skin, hair, and nails. The fibrous protein is produced by keratinocytes and may be hard or soft.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.