Cells of the Epidermis

Cell of the Epidermis

There are several different cells in the epidermis:

• Keratinocytes•Melanocytes• Langerhans cells

Keratinocytes• Keratinocytes (basal

cells) make up the majority of cells in the epidermis. They produce keratin. Keratin is present in most cells of the epidermis. As a cell moves towards the skin’s surface, the amount of keratin increases.

• KERATIN – an insoluble protein which makes the cell more resilient.

Melanocytes• They produce the

pigment melanin which gives colour to the skin and hair.

• Melanin granules are formed in the melanocytes which pass along finger-like projections called dendrites that inject melanin into the surrounding skin cells.

Langerhans Cells

• Specialised white blood cells which circulate in the skin.

• They are cells of the immune system which remove cell debris and pathogens.