Which epidermal cells are primarily responsible for pigment production contributing to skin color?

• A. Keratinocytes
• B. Melanocytes
• C. Langerhans Cells
• D. Merkel Cells

Answer: (B)

Pigment production in the skin is carried out by melanocytes, specialized cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells manufacture melanin from tyrosine and package it into melanosomes, which are then transferred to neighboring keratinocytes. The melanin accumulates above the nucleus in these keratinocytes, providing protection from UV radiation and giving skin its color. The amount and type of melanin, as well as how it’s distributed, determine an individual’s skin tone.

Keratinocytes, by contrast, are the main cells of the epidermis that form the protective barrier and produce keratin, not pigment. Langerhans cells are immune sentinels that present antigens, and Merkel cells are involved in light touch sensation.