Keratinocytes, as the main cellular component of the organism/environment interface, perform a vast range of functions in protection, secretion, sensation and self-repair by virtue of their great plasticity in form and development. Indeed recent medical advances in laboratory culture of these cells for use as skin grafts in cases of severe burns or ulceration owe much of their success to this very plasticity. Drawing upon a wide range of international expertise the various interconnected aspects of cell structure, composition and function are laid out in this volume, providing a comprehensive dossier of the keratinocyte and its biological significance. Together with its companion volume Keratinocyte Methods (available in the shrinkwrapped set) it will prove invaluable reading for all encountering keratinocytes in both laboratory and clinic.