The pigment producing cells in the skin are called what?

Melanocytes are the specialized pigment-producing cells found in the skin. They are responsible for the synthesis of melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Melanocytes are located primarily in the basal layer of the epidermis, where they play a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing and dispersing UV light. The production and distribution of melanin by these cells are key factors influencing an individual's skin tone and providing some level of protection against skin damage.

Keratinocytes, while also essential for skin health, primarily function in the production of keratin, a protein that helps form the protective outer barrier of the skin. Fibroblasts are crucial for supporting the structure of the skin but are not involved in pigmentation; they produce collagen and other fibers that help maintain skin elasticity and strength. Langerhans cells are part of the immune system, playing a role in skin defense, but they do not produce pigment. Each of these cell types plays an essential role in skin physiology, but melanocytes are unique in their pigment-producing function.