Melanocyte

A pigment-producing cell that synthesizes melanin and transfers it to neighboring cells. In skin, its pigment helps protect tissues from ultraviolet radiation.

Melanogenesis: The cellular process that produces melanin from the amino acid tyrosine. Melanocytes make pigment through this sequence of chemical reactions.
Neural crest: A transient embryonic cell population that gives rise to diverse cell types, including melanocytes. Most skin melanocytes descend from neural crest cells.
Skin pigmentation: The coloration of skin produced largely by melanin and its distribution in the epidermis. Melanocyte activity and pigment transfer shape epidermal coloration.
Melanophage: A phagocytic cell that has engulfed melanin-containing material. Melanophages contain pigment but do not synthesize it like melanocytes.
Tyrosinase: An enzyme that catalyzes key early reactions in melanin synthesis. Its activity helps determine how much melanin melanocytes produce.
Epidermis: The outer epithelial layer of the skin. Melanocytes reside among epidermal cells, especially in its basal layer.
Tanning: Darkening of skin following increased melanin production or redistribution, often after ultraviolet exposure. UV exposure can stimulate melanocytes to increase pigment production.
Nevus cell: A melanocyte-lineage cell found in a benign melanocytic nevus, or mole. Nevus cells are related pigment cells but differ in their growth pattern and tissue arrangement.
Melanosome: A membrane-bound organelle in which melanin is synthesized and stored. Melanocytes package pigment in these organelles before transferring it.
Dermis: The connective-tissue layer beneath the epidermis. Melanocyte precursors travel through the developing dermis before entering the epidermis.

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