A specialized skin cell that produces the pigment melanin.
Clear branching cell in the epidermis of the SKIN that produces tyrosinase (an ENZYME) and MELANIN.
n. any one of the cells, concentrated within the epidermis of skin, that produces the dark brown pigment *melanin.
(MSH) a peptide hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. In humans it stimulates production and dispersal of melanin in the melanocytes. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH), which is released by neurons in the hypothalamus, suppresses appetite and regulates energy balance. It also stimulates sexual activity and is involved in regulation of heart rate and blood pressure.... melanocyte-stimulating hormone
Health Encyclopedia