What is the role of keratinocytes in wound healing?

• A. They form granulation tissue
• B. They regulate inflammatory response
• C. They proliferate and migrate to create a new epithelial layer
• D. They provide nutritional support to the wound

Answer: (C)

Keratinocytes play a vital role in the wound healing process, particularly in the creation of new epithelial layers. These cells are the primary component of the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, and are essential for skin integrity and barrier function. When a wound occurs, keratinocytes near the wound edges are stimulated to proliferate and migrate into the wound area. This process is crucial for re-establishing the epithelial barrier and preventing infection while facilitating overall healing.

As keratinocytes migrate, they not only cover the wound but also contribute to the formation of a new layer of skin, thus promoting healing. Their activity is influenced by various growth factors released during the inflammatory phase of healing, ensuring that the tissue regenerates properly. This process emphasizes their role in restoring structural integrity after injury, making the option about their proliferation and migration to create a new epithelial layer the correct answer.