melanocyte
Sign in to saveMelanocytes are melanin-producing neural crest-derived cells located in the bottom layer (the stratum basale) of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye (the uvea), the inner ear, vaginal epithelium, meninges, bones, and heart found in many mammals and birds. 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 pro
Key facts
- Cell.Name
- Melanocyte
- Cell.Latin
- melanocytus
- Cell.Image
- Illu skin02.jpg
- Cell.Caption
- Melanocyte and melanin
- Cell.Location
- Skin
- Cell.Precursor
- Neural crest
- Cell.Function
- Melanin production
- Cell.Pronunciation
- or
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
10 sectionsContents
- Function
- Role in the immune system
- Melanogenesis
- Stimulation
- Stem cells
- Clinical significance
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Melanocytes are melanin-producing neural crest-derived cells located in the bottom layer (the stratum basale) of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye (the uvea), the inner ear, vaginal epithelium, meninges, bones, and heart found in many mammals and birds. 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.
== Function == thumb|Illustration of a melanocyte thumb|Micrograph of melanocytes in the epidermis Through a process called melanogenesis, melanocytes produce melanin, which is a pigment found in the skin, eyes, hair, nasal cavity, and inner ear. This melanogenesis leads to a long-lasting pigmentation, which is in contrast to the pigmentation that originates from oxidation of already-existing melanin.