Which statement about NMF and the Stratum Corneum is correct?

Which statement about NMF and the Stratum Corneum is correct?

• A. NMF is produced by keratinocytes in the Stratum Corneum
• B. Lamellar bodies secrete lipids that create NMF
• C. NMF is irrelevant to acid mantle
• D. The Stratum Corneum contains living cells that produce NMF

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how NMF and the skin’s lipid barrier work together to keep the Stratum Corneum hydrated and functioning. Lamellar bodies release lipids into the spaces between corneocytes, forming the extracellular lipid matrix that strengthens the barrier and helps retain moisture. This lipid delivery supports the overall moisturizing environment in which NMF components can do their job of attracting and holding water inside the stratum corneum. While NMF itself comes from breakdown products of filaggrin within corneocytes and contributes to hydration, the lipids from lamellar bodies are what create the barrier that makes that hydrated state possible. The other statements aren’t accurate: the Stratum Corneum is made up mostly of dead cells, NMF is relevant to maintaining moisture and the acid mantle, and NMF is not produced by living cells in the outermost layer.

The key idea is how NMF and the skin’s lipid barrier work together to keep the Stratum Corneum hydrated and functioning. Lamellar bodies release lipids into the spaces between corneocytes, forming the extracellular lipid matrix that strengthens the barrier and helps retain moisture. This lipid delivery supports the overall moisturizing environment in which NMF components can do their job of attracting and holding water inside the stratum corneum. While NMF itself comes from breakdown products of filaggrin within corneocytes and contributes to hydration, the lipids from lamellar bodies are what create the barrier that makes that hydrated state possible. The other statements aren’t accurate: the Stratum Corneum is made up mostly of dead cells, NMF is relevant to maintaining moisture and the acid mantle, and NMF is not produced by living cells in the outermost layer.