Melanin - Information about Melanin

In humans, melanin is found in skin, hair, the pigmented epithelium underlying the retina , the medulla and zona reticularis of the adrenal gland , the inner ear , and in pigment bearing neurons of certain deep brain nuclei.

There are two forms of the pigment melanin: eumelanin granules, which tend to be round and smooth and produce black and brown skin pigmentation, and phaeomelanin granules, which are more irregular in shape and which are more prominent in lighter skins, particularly in association with red hair and freckles.
    

A skin pigment substance that gives the skin its color. Dark-skinned people have more melanin than light- skinned people. Melanin also acts as a sunscreen and protects the skin from ultraviolet light. Melanin is the primary determinant of human skin color.

Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. It provides some protection again skin damage from the sun, and the melanocytes increase their production of melanin in response to sun exposure. Freckles, which occur in people of all races, are small, concentrated areas of increased melanin production.

A dark brown coloring found in the body, especially in the skin and hair. The amount of melanin present in the skin determines the color of a person's complexion. Melanin is also responsible for tanning. In humans, those with darker skin have higher amounts of melanin. By contrast, those with less pigment have lighter or more fair skin coloring.

Melanin, sometimes referred to as a chemical, is formed as part of the process of metabolizing an amino acid called tyrosine. In the skin, melanin is formed by cells called melanocytes.

Melanin provides many benefits to human beings. One of the most recognized benefits involves ultraviolet rays of the sun. Melanin provides a natural protection against the harmful effects of these rays.

A dark brown to black pigment found in the skin, hair, and parts of the eye. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes and helps protect against the harmful effect of UV radiation.

Melanin, is a water-insoluble polymer of various compounds derived from the amino acid tyrosine. It is one of two pigments found in human skin and hair and adds brown to skin color; the other pigment is carotene, which contributes yellow coloring. The synthesis of melanin reactions is catalyzed by the enzyme tyrosinase; an inherited lack of tyrosinase activity results in one of the forms of albinism. Tyrosinase is found in only one specialized type of cell, the melanocyte, and in this cell melanin is found in membrane-bound bodies called melanosomes. The various hues and degrees of pigmentation found in the skin of human beings are directly related to the number, size, and distribution of melanosomes within the melanocytes and other cells.