Acantholysis is:

Ans. (b) Separation of keratinocytesRef: Harrison 19th ed. / 370* Keratinocytes are connected to one another by intracellular desmosomal bridges.* If there is loss of these desmosomal bridges, it will lead to separation of keratinocytes and the condition is known as acantholysis.* If separation continues, there will be intracellular edema, and the condition is known as Ballooning.Also Know* Degeneration of stratum basale is seen in: Lichen planus* Acanthosis: thickening of stratum spinosum* Hypergranulosis: Thickening of stratum granulosum* Hyperkeratosis: Thickening of stratum corneum* Parakeratosis: persistence of nucleus in stratum corneum layer