This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Melanocyte

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Melanocytes are neural crest-derived cells found in the epidermal stratum basale and stratum spinosum of the skin, in hair bulbs, pia arachnoid and the retina. They are spindle-shaped and possess dendritic processes.

They are unique in their synthesis of melanin, which is one element in the formation of skin colour. Melanin has a protective role, absorbing and dispersing the sun's rays, and mopping up free radicals.

Melanocytes can derive a number of neoplasms, both benign and malignant. Malignant melanoma has doubled in incidence in the last twenty years.


Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.