Melanocyte
Melanin-producing cells of the skin / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Melanocytes are melanin-producing neural crest-derived[3] cells located in the bottom layer (the stratum basale) of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye (the uvea),[4] the inner ear,[5] vaginal epithelium,[6] meninges,[7] bones,[8] and heart.[9] Melanin is a dark pigment primarily responsible for skin color. Once synthesized, melanin is contained in special organelles called melanosomes which can be transported to nearby keratinocytes to induce pigmentation. Thus darker skin tones have more melanosomes present than lighter skin tones. Functionally, melanin serves as protection against UV radiation. Melanocytes also have a role in the immune system.
Melanocyte | |
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Details | |
Pronunciation | /məˈlænəˌsaɪt, -noʊ-/ ⓘ or /ˈmɛlənəˌsaɪt, -noʊ-/[1][2] |
Precursor | Neural crest |
Location | Human skin |
Function | Melanin production |
Identifiers | |
Latin | melanocytus |
MeSH | D008544 |
TH | H2.00.03.0.01016 |
FMA | 70545 |
Anatomical terms of microanatomy |