<Tr> <Th> TH </Th> <Td> H2. 00.03. 0.01016 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Anatomical terminology (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> Melanocytes (/ məˈlænəˌsaɪt, - noʊ - / (listen) or / ˈmɛlənəˌsaɪt, - noʊ - /) are melanin - producing neural - crest derived cells located in the bottom layer (the stratum basale) of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye (the uvea), the inner ear, meninges, bones, and heart . Melanin is the pigment primarily responsible for skin color . Once synthesised, melanin is contained in a special organelle called a melanosome and moved along arm - like structures called dendrites, so as to reach the keratinocytes . </P> <P> Through a process called melanogenesis, melanocytes produce melanin, which is a pigment found in the skin, eyes, and hair . This melanogenesis leads to a long - lasting pigmentation, which is in contrast to the pigmentation that originates from oxidation of already - existing melanin . </P>

Are specialized cells in the skin which produce melanin