A is a cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Keratinocytes are the primary cells of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, constituting about 90% of its cells.
The principal function of keratinocytes is to synthesize and store keratin, a tough, fibrous structural protein.
Keratin is essential for providing strength, durability, and waterproofing to the skin, hair, and nails, forming a protective barrier against environmental damage.
The other options are incorrect spellings or fabricated terms designed to be confused with the correct medical term.

Option A: This is an incorrect spelling of 'Keratinocyte'. It is a common distractor in anatomy questions to test for precise knowledge of terminology.
Option B: This is an abbreviated and incorrect spelling of 'Keratinocyte'. The suffix '-cyte' means cell, but the prefix is incomplete.
Option D: This term is incorrect. The suffix '-lyte' typically refers to substances that undergo electrolysis or decomposition (lysis), which is unrelated to the function of producing keratin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cellular composition of the epidermis and protein synthesis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of keratinocytes is crucial in dermatology. Disorders of keratinization, such as psoriasis (rapid cell turnover) or ichthyosis (scaling), are due to abnormal keratinocyte proliferation or differentiation.
Keratinocytes are vital for the process of wound healing. They migrate and proliferate to re-epithelialize the skin surface after an injury.
What if? If the question had asked for the cell that produces skin pigment, the correct answer would be 'Melanocyte'. These cells produce melanin and transfer it to keratinocytes, protecting the skin from UV radiation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'cell', 'manufactures', and 'protein keratin'.
Break down the potential answer. The question is about a cell that produces keratin. The suffix for 'cell' is '-cyte'. The protein is 'keratin'.
Combine the parts: 'Keratin' + 'o' (connecting vowel) + 'cyte' = Keratinocyte.
Examine the given options. Notice that 'Keraticellyte', 'Keracyte', and 'Keratinolyte' are phonetically similar but are incorrect spellings or combinations.
Select 'Keratinocyte' as it is the correct and complete medical term for a keratin-producing cell.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QfAJg_G8A1T4vzjhNUrwKZ

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1232-1234

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 499-501

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 42-44

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.