| Abstract: |
Among the somatic cells, the differentiated melanocyte has the hallmark property of pigment production in the skin, hair, and eye. That pigment is a biopolymer termed melanin, which serves unique physiological functions in skin biology. The importance of the functions relates to photoprotection, inflammation, aging, and mitigation of neoplastic stimuli. Herein, we discuss general elements related to melanocytic development, biological function, and melanocytic neoplasia. © 2014 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. All rights are reserved. |
