MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Pigmentation of the skin results from the accumulation of melanin-containing melanosomes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Differences in skin pigmentation result both from the relative ratio of eumelanin (brown–black) to pheomelanin (yellow–red), as well as the number of melanosomes within melanocytes.

Detailed explanation-2: -The amount of melanin in the skin will vary from person to person. Genetics plays a dominant role in how much melanin there is in a person’s skin. Melanocytes house melanin in cells called melanosomes. The amount of melanin in the skin is a result of the quantity and distribution of melanocytes.

Detailed explanation-3: -The production of melanin is affected by UV exposure, genetic make-up, size of melanocytes, and disease conditions.

Detailed explanation-4: -In addition to providing pigmentation for the cells, melanin also absorbs harmful UV rays and protects against cellular damage from UV light exposure. Melanin levels are generally determined by genetics, but they can be influenced by outside sources, such as sun exposure, hormones, or even age.

Detailed explanation-5: -Levels of melanin are primarily determined by genetics; individuals born to fair skinned parents will inherit their parent’s fair skin, as individuals born to dark skinned parents will inherit dark skin. The level of inherited skin pigmentation is referred to as constitutive pigmentation.