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Which primary layer of the skin contains melanocytes?

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Final answer:

Melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin, are found in the epidermis, specifically the stratum basale, the innermost layer. Melanin absorbs UV light, providing protection against potential skin damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary layer of the skin that contains melanocytes is the epidermis, specifically the stratum basale, which is the innermost or deepest layer of the epidermis. Melanocytes are special cells that produce melanin, a pigment that determines skin color and provides protection against UV radiation from the sun. This pigment is critical as it absorbs UV light, reducing the potential for DNA damage which can lead to skin cancer. The presence of melanocytes within the epidermis is essential for producing enough melanin to protect the skin, and their activity increases with exposure to UV light, often resulting in a darker skin tone or tan.

User Coin Graham
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they develop skin tone and are found in the stratum basale. the bottom cells in the skin

Melanocytes 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, vaginal epithelium, meninges, bones, and heart. Melanin is a dark pigment primarily responsible for skin color.
User Sebastian Liendo
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