What do melanocytes do?

Melanocytes are specialized cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin also plays a role in protecting the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Melanocytes are located in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin, as well as in the hair follicles and the eye's iris. When exposed to ultraviolet light, melanocytes increase the production of melanin, which darkens the skin and helps protect it from the sun.

The level of melanin production is determined by genetics, and it can vary from person to person. People with light skin tones have less melanin than those with darker skin tones.

Melanocytes can also be affected by certain disorders and conditions, such as albinism, vitiligo, and melanoma. Albinism is a genetic condition in which the body does not produce any melanin, resulting in white skin, hair, and eyes. Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes the loss of pigment in certain areas of the body. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes.