Final answer:
The primary pigments in the epidermis are carotene, which provides a yellowish tint, and melanin, the main determinant of skin color. Unlike chlorophyll, these pigments are responsible for human skin pigmentation, not photosynthesis in plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary pigments contained in the epidermis are carotene and melanin. Carotene is a pigment that gives skin a yellowish tint, which is most apparent in skin with lower levels of melanin. Melanin, on the other hand, is produced by melanocytes, which are located in the stratum basale layer of the epidermis. Melanin is the key pigment that determines skin color and is transferred into keratinocytes to provide protection against UV radiation.
While chlorophylls and carotenoids are major classes of photosynthetic pigments found in plants and algae, they are not relevant to human skin pigmentation. Hemoglobin also contributes to skin color by providing a pinkish tint through the skin mainly in areas with low levels of melanin, but it is not contained within the epidermis. Thus, the correct answer is B. Carotene and melanin.