Atlas of plant and animal histology

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GLOSARIO: K

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Keratan sulfate: it is a type of sulfated glycosaminoglycan found in the extracellular matrix of animal tissues. Keratan sulfate is chemically linked to a polypeptide chain, and altogether form the so-called proteoglycans.

♣ Animal tissues: Bone tissue.
♣ Animal organs: Senses.

Keratin: it is a type of protein synthesized mostly by keratinocytes. Keratins form the stratum corneum at the surface of the epidermis. Keratins are the main components of nails, hair, and feathers.

♣ Cell types: Keratinocyte.

Keratinocyte: it is a type of cell found in the epidermis. Keratinocytes form most of the epidermis and are highly proliferating cells. They are generated in the stratum basale and move to the superficial stratum. During this journey, keratinocytes change the morphology and synthesize different sets of proteins. Keratinocytes have many cell junctions that make epidermis a mechanically strong tissue. They also synthesize many keratin proteins that finally form the protective corneum stratum.

♣ The cell: Lysosomes.
♣ Cell types: Keratinocyte.
♣ Animal organs: Integument.

Keratohyalin: it is a mix of basophyllic proteins, mainly filaggrin and keratin. There are granules in the stratum granulosum of the epidermis with containing keratohyalin, so they are known as keratohyalin granules

♣ Cell types: Keratinocyte.

Kinocilium: it is a type of cilium found in the sensory cells of the inner ear: the cristae of the semicircular canals and the maculae of the sacculus and utriculus. Kinocilia are mechanosensory structures that detect the endolinph movements and contribute to keep body balance.

♣ Animal organs: Senses.

Krause corpuscle: (or bulb corpuscle) it is a type of encapsulated mechanoreceptor and thermoreceptor found in the dermis and oral cavity. Kraus corpuscle senses pressure and temperature. It shows fast adaptation to stimuli.

♣ Animal organs: Senses.
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