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Skin Color

Melanocytes in the stratum basale produce two types of melanin pigments, eumelanin and phaeomelanin, which determine skin color variations between individuals. Other pigments like carotene and hemoglobin also contribute to skin hue. Several disorders can impact skin color, such as jaundice causing a yellowish tone from bile in the blood or vitiligo resulting in pale patches where melanocytes are attacked by immune cells.

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155 views

Skin Color

Melanocytes in the stratum basale produce two types of melanin pigments, eumelanin and phaeomelanin, which determine skin color variations between individuals. Other pigments like carotene and hemoglobin also contribute to skin hue. Several disorders can impact skin color, such as jaundice causing a yellowish tone from bile in the blood or vitiligo resulting in pale patches where melanocytes are attacked by immune cells.

Uploaded by

api-294162496
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

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

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

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