Melanocytes

Key concept

Melanocytes are pigment-producing dendritic cells in mature epidermis. They are derived from the neural crest and migrate into the epidermis in the 6th week of embryonic life. They are functionally immature during their migration.

Bullet Summary

• Week 7: Melanocytes populate the epidermis.
• Week 10: Melanocytes increase in number, differentiate, make premelanosomes.
• Week 14: Melanocytes begin to make pigment.
• Week 16: Melanocytes decrease in number to level in mature epidermis.
• Week 18: Melanocytes transfer pigment to keratinocytes.
• Week 18: Melanocytes begin to regionalize in the hair peg.
• Week 26: Melanocytes complete regional migration into the hair bulb.

To study melanocytes over time click on one of the buttons below:

Week 7
Week 10
Week 14
Week 16
Week 18
Week 26