Melanocyte
Pronunciation: mel-AN-oh-syte
A pigment-producing cell found in the basal layer of the epidermis that synthesises melanin and transfers it to surrounding keratinocytes.
Full Definition
Melanocytes are dendritic cells derived from neural crest cells that reside in the stratum basale of the epidermis, as well as in hair follicles and mucous membranes. They produce melanin within specialised organelles called melanosomes, which are transferred to adjacent keratinocytes to provide UV protection and skin colouration. In dermatological editing, 'melanocyte' must not be confused with 'melanoma cell' or 'melanophage' (a macrophage that has ingested melanin). The term is foundational to understanding pigmentary disorders, melanoma pathology reports, and histopathology narratives.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with 'melanophage', which is a macrophage containing ingested melanin, commonly seen in regressed melanocytic lesions.
In Context
- "Histopathology revealed an increased density of melanocytes at the dermo-epidermal junction, raising suspicion for lentigo maligna." — Pathology report
- "The proofreader flagged 'melanophage' in the abstract where the author had intended 'melanocyte'." — Proofreading correction log