13. Glossary

Fibrosis

Fibrosis (synonymous with sclerosis) occurs following substantial tissue destruction, or when inflammation takes place in an area where tissue cannot regenerate.

Hyperkeratosis

Thickening of the skin's outer layer. This outer layer contains a protective protein called keratin.

Hyperplasia

Medical term for an increase in the volume of a tissue or organ due to an increase in the number of its cells.

Keratinocytes

Cells making up 90% of the surface layer of the skin (epidermis) and phanera (nails, hair, fur, feathers, scales).