Melanoma originates from which type of pigment-producing cells?

Melanoma originates from which type of pigment-producing cells?

• A. Melanocytes
• B. Keratinocytes
• C. Langerhans cells
• D. Fibroblasts

Answer: (A)

Melanoma comes from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis. Melanocytes reside in the basal layer of the epidermis and generate melanin in melanosomes, which are then transferred to surrounding keratinocytes to give skin its color and help protect against UV damage. When these pigment-producing melanocytes undergo malignant transformation, melanoma develops. Keratinocytes are the main epidermal cells that produce keratin, not pigment. Langerhans cells are immune cells in the epidermis, and fibroblasts are in the dermis making connective tissue—neither are pigment producers.

Melanoma comes from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis. Melanocytes reside in the basal layer of the epidermis and generate melanin in melanosomes, which are then transferred to surrounding keratinocytes to give skin its color and help protect against UV damage. When these pigment-producing melanocytes undergo malignant transformation, melanoma develops.

Keratinocytes are the main epidermal cells that produce keratin, not pigment. Langerhans cells are immune cells in the epidermis, and fibroblasts are in the dermis making connective tissue—neither are pigment producers.