Melanocytes (also known as Melanocyte): Mammalian pigment cells that produce MELANINS, pigments found mainly in the EPIDERMIS, but also in the eyes and the hair, by a process called melanogenesis. Coloration can be altered by the number of melanocytes or the amount of pigment produced and stored in the organelles calle

NIH MeSH · D008544Anatomy

Melanocytes

Also known asMelanocyte

Definition

Mammalian pigment cells that produce MELANINS, pigments found mainly in the EPIDERMIS, but also in the eyes and the hair, by a process called melanogenesis. Coloration can be altered by the number of melanocytes or the amount of pigment produced and stored in the organelles called MELANOSOMES. The large non-mammalian melanin-containing cells are called MELANOPHORES.

MeSH classification

  • A11.409.750
  • A11.436.613

Need clinical context, treatments, or patient-language explanation?

Ask GoDavaii AI about Melanocytes

Common questions about Melanocytes

What does Melanocytes mean in medicine?
Mammalian pigment cells that produce MELANINS, pigments found mainly in the EPIDERMIS, but also in the eyes and the hair, by a process called melanogenesis. Coloration can be altered by the number of melanocytes or the amount of pigment produced and stored in the organelles called MELANOSOMES. The large non-mammalian melanin-containing cells are called MELANOPHORES. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Melanocytes known by any other names?
Yes. Melanocytes is also referred to as Melanocyte in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Melanocytes sit in the medical classification?
Melanocytes falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A11.409.750, A11.436.613). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Melanocytes?
For a plain-language explanation of Melanocytes - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Melanocytes" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D008544) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗