Keratinization: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Keratinization_intact_vs_circumcised.JPG |thumbnail|right|200px| The glans and [[mucosa]] of intact and circumcised human penises in adult males.]]

'''Keratinization''' is the process whereby the surface of the [[glans]] and remaining [[preputial mucosa|mucosa]] of the circumcised penis become dry, toughened, hard and relatively insensitive.<ref>{{REFweb

'''Keratinization''' is the process whereby the surface of the [[glans]] and remaining [[preputial mucosa|mucosa]] of the [[circumcised]] [[penis]] become dry, toughened, hard and relatively insensitive.<ref>{{REFweb

|url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/keratinization

|archived=

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|format=

|quote=

}}</ref> Normally, the glans is covered by the [[foreskin]], which moisturizes the area by [[transudation]], keeping the surface of the glans and inner [[mucosa]] moist and supple. After circumcision, however, the glans and surrounding [[mucosa]] become permanently externalized, and they are exposed to the air and the constant abrasion of clothing. These areas dry out, causing layers of keratin to build, giving the glans and remaining [[mucosa]] a dry, leathery appearance and reducing sensation.

}}</ref> Normally, the [[glans]] is covered by the [[foreskin]], which moisturizes the area by [[transudation]], keeping the surface of the glans and inner [[mucosa]] moist and supple. After [[circumcision]], however, the glans and surrounding [[mucosa]] become permanently externalized, and they are exposed to the air and the constant abrasion of clothing. These areas dry out, causing layers of keratin to build, giving the glans and remaining [[mucosa]] a dry, leathery appearance and reducing sensation.

The color of the glans penis in Caucasian males will vary. In [[intact]] males, the color of the glans penis is likely have a purple tint, while in [[circumcised]] and keratinized males the oolor is likely to be pinkish or flesh colored.

The color of the [[glans penis]] in Caucasian males will vary. In [[intact]] males, the color of the glans penis is likely have a purple tint, while in [[circumcised]] and keratinized males the oolor is likely to be pinkish or flesh colored.

== Keratin as "Protection" ==

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}}</ref>--> Be that as it may, this hypothesis continues to be popular among researchers who advocate for circumcision as STD prevention.

Higher incidence of [[Circumcision and HIV|HIV infection]] is found in circumcised men who lack the [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin| immunological protection]] of the [[foreskin]] and its [[Langerhans cells]].<ref name="rosenberg2018">{{REFjournal

Higher incidence of [[Circumcision and HIV|HIV infection]] is found in [[circumcised]] men who lack the [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin| immunological protection]] of the [[foreskin]] and its [[Langerhans cells]].<ref name="rosenberg2018">{{REFjournal

|last=Rosenberg

|first=Molly S.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 [[Image:Keratinization_intact_vs_circumcised.JPG |thumbnail|right|200px| The glans and [[mucosa]] of intact and circumcised human penises in adult males.]]
-'''Keratinization''' is the process whereby the surface of the [[glans]] and remaining [[preputial mucosa|mucosa]] of the circumcised penis become dry, toughened, hard and relatively insensitive.<ref>{{REFweb
+'''Keratinization''' is the process whereby the surface of the [[glans]] and remaining [[preputial mucosa|mucosa]] of the [[circumcised]] [[penis]] become dry, toughened, hard and relatively insensitive.<ref>{{REFweb
   |url=https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/keratinization
   |archived=
@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
   |format=
   |quote=
-}}</ref> Normally, the glans is covered by the [[foreskin]], which moisturizes the area by [[transudation]], keeping the surface of the glans and inner [[mucosa]] moist and supple. After circumcision, however, the glans and surrounding [[mucosa]] become permanently externalized, and they are exposed to the air and the constant abrasion of clothing. These areas dry out, causing layers of keratin to build, giving the glans and remaining [[mucosa]] a dry, leathery appearance and reducing sensation.
+}}</ref> Normally, the [[glans]] is covered by the [[foreskin]], which moisturizes the area by [[transudation]], keeping the surface of the glans and inner [[mucosa]] moist and supple. After [[circumcision]], however, the glans and surrounding [[mucosa]] become permanently externalized, and they are exposed to the air and the constant abrasion of clothing. These areas dry out, causing layers of keratin to build, giving the glans and remaining [[mucosa]] a dry, leathery appearance and reducing sensation.
-The color of the glans penis in Caucasian males will vary. In [[intact]] males, the color of the glans penis is likely have a purple tint, while in [[circumcised]] and keratinized males the oolor is likely to be pinkish or flesh colored.
+The color of the [[glans penis]] in Caucasian males will vary. In [[intact]] males, the color of the glans penis is likely have a purple tint, while in [[circumcised]] and keratinized males the oolor is likely to be pinkish or flesh colored.
 == Keratin as "Protection" ==
@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
 }}</ref>--> Be that as it may, this hypothesis continues to be popular among researchers who advocate for circumcision as STD prevention.
-Higher incidence of [[Circumcision and HIV|HIV infection]] is found in circumcised men who lack the [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin| immunological protection]] of the [[foreskin]] and its [[Langerhans cells]].<ref name="rosenberg2018">{{REFjournal
+Higher incidence of [[Circumcision and HIV|HIV infection]] is found in [[circumcised]] men who lack the [[Immunological and protective function of the foreskin| immunological protection]] of the [[foreskin]] and its [[Langerhans cells]].<ref name="rosenberg2018">{{REFjournal
   |last=Rosenberg
   |first=Molly S.