Melanin-producing dendritic cell (of neuroectodermal origin) located between the keratinocytes of the stratum basale of the epidermis and occurring in skin as well as extracutaneously in mucous membranes, inner ear, eye and brain. In part, the extracutaneous melanocytes have completely different functions than UV protection. Remarkably, there are also hidden melanocyte reservoirs in the skin that have no pigment-forming activity.
Melanocytes contact surrounding keratinocytes via a multitude of dendrites. 1 melanocyte contacts approximately 36 keratinocytes.
Melanocytes make up about 1% of epidermal cells. The ratio of keratinocytes to melanocytes varies in different body regions (melanocyte/basal cell ratio varies from 1:4 to 1:9). The face generally has the highest melanocyte density (2000/cmm). On the trunk, it is 1000/cmm. The skin on the palms and soles has only 100 - 200/cmm.