Definition: Melanocytes are cells located in the epidermis that are responsible for producing melanin, a brown pigment that helps screen against the harmful effects of UVlight.
Pronunciation: muh-LAN-oh-syt - (noun)
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"Melanocyte"
By Heather Brannon, MD, About.com
Updated: March 3, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
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