Final answer:
Parakeratosis is an abnormal process of keratinization in the skin where cells do not lose their nuclei as they should, sometimes causing skin thickening or scales. It is distinct from typical skin thickening that occurs in response to various stresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parakeratosis is B) Abnormal keratinization where the cells in the epidermal layer of the skin do not completely lose their nuclei. In normal keratinization, cells lose their nuclei and fill with keratin before they are shed from the skin's surface. This condition can lead to a variety of skin disorders, including thickening of the skin or scales and is often seen in various dermatoses.
Squamous cell carcinomas, which affect cells in the epidermis, are the second most common type of skin cancer and they can metastasize if not treated. The thickening of the skin, also known as keratoderma, occurs as a protective response to pressure, friction, or other stresses.
Therefore, when referring to parakeratosis in a pathology context, it is important to understand that it relates to abnormal skin cell maturation, which can have a range of dermatological implications.