SKIN COLOR Notes in Notebook

Melanocytes Melanocytes = cells in stratum basale that produce differing amounts of the pigment melanin Approximate # of melanocytes same in all ethnicities

There are 2 main types of melanin: EUMELANIN brown/black melanins PHAEOMELANINred/yellow melanins *Variations in hair and skin color are due to varying of eumelanin and phaeomelanin amountsproduced by melanocytes

Other Pigments  CAROTENE:  Yellow-orange pigment  Located mostly in STRATUM CORNEUM

 HEMOGLOBIN:  Red pigment  Carries oxygen in red blood cells Other Pigments

Skin Color Disorders  Jaundice  Skin color is yellowish  Due to accumulation of bile in the blood

Skin Color Disorders  Erythema  Redness of skin  Caused by engorgement of capillaries

Skin Color Disorders  Vitiligo  Loss of skin pigment; immune cells attack melanocytes  Appearance is pale patches of skin

Skin Color Disorders  Cyanosis  Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes caused by lack of oxygen in the blood

Skin Color Disorders  Pallid  Pale skin complexion  Possible causes include: emotional response or anemia

Skin Color Disorders  Albinism  Lack of melanin pigment  Melanocytes cannot produce melanin