In which layer of the epidermis are melanocytes primarily located?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option B
- Melanocytes are specialized cells responsible for the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color and protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- These cells are primarily located in the Stratum basale, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis.
- The Stratum basale is a single layer of basal cells that continuously undergo mitosis to produce new keratinocytes.
- Melanocytes reside here because they provide melanin to these newly formed keratinocytes by transferring melanosomes, which are pigment-containing organelles.
- This positioning is crucial because the melanin pigment helps protect the DNA of dividing basal cells from UV damage.
Other layers mentioned:
- The Stratum spinosum and Stratum granulosum are layers above the stratum basale and mainly consist of differentiating keratinocytes.
- The Stratum corneum is the outermost layer composed of dead, flattened keratinocytes and lacks living cells such as melanocytes.
Thus, the correct answer is the Stratum basale because it is the primary site of melanocytes in the epidermis.
- These cells are primarily located in the Stratum basale, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis.
- The Stratum basale is a single layer of basal cells that continuously undergo mitosis to produce new keratinocytes.
- Melanocytes reside here because they provide melanin to these newly formed keratinocytes by transferring melanosomes, which are pigment-containing organelles.
- This positioning is crucial because the melanin pigment helps protect the DNA of dividing basal cells from UV damage.
Other layers mentioned:
- The Stratum spinosum and Stratum granulosum are layers above the stratum basale and mainly consist of differentiating keratinocytes.
- The Stratum corneum is the outermost layer composed of dead, flattened keratinocytes and lacks living cells such as melanocytes.
Thus, the correct answer is the Stratum basale because it is the primary site of melanocytes in the epidermis.
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