Mucosal lentigines

Mucosal Lentigines

Mucosal lentigines (pronunciation: myoo-koh-suhl len-ti-je-neez) are a type of melanocytic lesion that occur on the mucous membranes of the body. They are characterized by an increased number of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes.

Etymology

The term "mucosal lentigines" is derived from two words. "Mucosal" refers to the mucous membrane, a type of tissue that lines various cavities in the body and surrounds internal organs. "Lentigines" is the plural form of "lentigo", a term that comes from the Latin word "lentigo", meaning "freckle". This term is used in medicine to describe a condition characterized by small, pigmented spots on the skin or mucous membranes.

Related Terms

Melanocyte: A type of cell located in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis and in the middle layer of the eye. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
Melanin: A pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. It is produced by cells called melanocytes.
Melanocytic lesion: A general term for a number of conditions characterized by an abnormal growth or change in the melanocytes.
Mucous membrane: A type of tissue that lines various cavities in the body and surrounds internal organs. It secretes mucus, a thick protective fluid.