ABSTRACT

Melanin is produced by melanocytes residing in the basal layer of the epidermis. The number of melanocytes has been estimated to be an average of one per ten keratinocytes with some variations throughout the body. The number of melano­ cytes is fairly constant regardless of race. The differences in color of the skin of different people results from the number, maturity and size of the melanosomes produced by the melanocytes.