What type of cells produce melanin to protect skin from ultraviolet radiation?

Melanocytes are specialized cells located primarily in the basal layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Their main function is to produce melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin serves to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing and dispersing it, thereby reducing the risk of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer. This protective mechanism is crucial as UV radiation can lead to various skin conditions, including sunburn and long-term damage.

In contrast, keratinocytes are the predominant cells in the epidermis and are responsible for forming the protective barrier of the skin, but they do not produce melanin. Merkel cells are involved in the sensation of touch and are also found in the epidermis, while Langerhans cells function as part of the immune system, helping to identify and fight off pathogens. Therefore, melanocytes play a unique and essential role in protecting the skin from UV radiation through melanin production.