Melanocyte
Melanocyte
Melanocyte (/mɛˈlænəsaɪt/; from Greek: μέλας, melas, "black, dark") is a type of cell located in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye, the inner ear, meninges, bones, and heart. These cells are known for their role in the human body's pigmentation.
Etymology
The term "Melanocyte" is derived from the Greek words melas meaning "black, dark" and kytos meaning "cell".
Function
Melanocytes produce and distribute melanin, the pigment primarily responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. The production and distribution of melanin are influenced by genetic factors, exposure to sunlight, and hormonal changes.
Related Terms
- Melanin: The pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light-skinned people.
- Epidermis: The outermost of the three layers that make up the skin, the inner layers being the dermis and hypodermis.
- Meninges: The three membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord.
- Pigmentation: The coloring of a person's skin, hair, or eyes.
Disorders
Melanocytes are involved in certain skin disorders, such as vitiligo and melanoma. Vitiligo is a condition that causes loss of skin color in patches, while melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Melanocyte
- Wikipedia's article - Melanocyte
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