The key difference between keratinized and nonkeratinized epithelium is that keratinized epithelium is impervious to water while nonkeratinized epithelium is pervious to water. ... The surface cell layer of keratinized epithelium consists of dead cells and forms an effective barrier. Moreover, it is impervious to water.

What does it mean if something is keratinized or Nonkeratinized?

: not marked by the formation of or conversion to keratin or keratinous tissue : not keratinous nonkeratinized epithelium.

What does it mean when a tissue is keratinized?

Keratinization is a word pathologists use to describe cells producing large amounts of a protein called keratin. Cells that produce keratin are stronger than other cells which makes them good at forming a barrier between the outside world and in the inside of the body.