| The cutanous membrane is produced by the stratified squamous keratinized epithelium of the outer epidermis of a human. When in utero, a fetus has nonkeratinized skin (since it is lubricated by the amniotic fluid). After birth, however, the tissue dries and starts to waterproof itself with the production of keratin (the same protein seen in hair and nails). The keratin kills the outermost cells of the stratum corneum, resulting in peeling dandruff, weakened nails distally, and split ends in hairs. This is not the answer that I was looking for, however! Lets return to the original question. |