Facts about Melanocyte

1. 05

   A single melanocyte can supply melanin to approximately 36 surrounding keratinocytes, a unit sometimes called the epidermal melanin unit.

   MelanocyteJun 7sharebiologyskincells
2. 04

   The primary function of a melanocyte is to produce melanin through a process called melanogenesis, which is triggered by ultraviolet radiation exposure.

   MelanocyteJun 7sharebiologyskinphysiology
3. 03

   Melanocytes originate embryonically from neural crest cells, which migrate to the skin, hair follicles, and eyes during development.

   MelanocyteJun 7sharebiologydevelopmentembryology
4. 02

   Each melanocyte forms an extended network of dendrites to supply melanin to dozens of surrounding keratinocytes.

   MelanocyteJun 7sharebiologycellsskin
5. 01

   Specialized pigment-producing cells called melanocytes are located in the basal layer of the epidermis and transfer melanin granules to surrounding keratinocytes.

   MelanocyteJun 7sharebiologyskincells