Question

Melanin pigment of human skin is produced by

• A. Mast cells of corium
• B. Melanocytes of corium and incorporated there
• C. Melanocytes of corium and incorporated in epidermis
• D. Melanocytes of epidermis

Answer 1

The correct option is C Melanocytes of corium and incorporated in epidermis

• Melanin is a pigment produced within the skin in melanocytes or skin cells when they are exposed to the sun.
• The process by which the pigment melanin is formed by the melanocytes is called melanogenesis.
• The pigment is formed within a small membrane-bound structure called melanosomes.
  
• The skin colour is determined by a bluish-white connective tissue under the dermis or corium and the haemoglobin circulating in the veins of the corium.
  
• The corium is a layer of skin present between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissues of the skin.
  
• Two types of melanin are formed in the body pheomelanin (red to yellow in colour) and eumelanin (dark brown to black).
  
• Those people with light complexion produce pheomelanin whereas, those with dark complexion produce eumelanin.
• So, the correct answer is 'Melanocytes of corium and incorporated in epidermis'.