Final answer:
Hyperkeratosis is a dermatological response to damage that causes the thickening of the outer layer of the skin. This condition is characterized by the overproduction of keratinocytes, resulting in thick, rough, and scaly patches on the skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hyperkeratosis is a dermatological response to damage that results in the excessive thickening of the outer layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. This thickening is caused by the overproduction of keratinocytes, which are the cells that produce the protein keratin, leading to the formation of thick, rough, and scaly patches on the skin. Hyperkeratosis can occur in various forms, such as calluses, corns, or plaques.