Melanin is a pigment found in various parts of the body, including:
- Skin: Melanin is primarily located in the basal layer of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. It provides pigmentation and protects the skin from harmful UV radiation.
- Hair: The relative proportion of different melanin forms determines hair color. Black and brown hair contains varying levels of eumelanin.
- Eyes: Melanin is concentrated in the iris and choroid, the colored part of the eye and the layer beneath it. Individuals with grey, blue, and green eye colors, as well as albinos, have a higher risk of sun-related eye issues due to lower melanin levels.
- Brain: Neuromelanin, a specific type of melanin, is found in the brain. Research is ongoing to investigate its potential role in treating neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in different areas of the body. The amount of melanin produced is influenced by genetic factors and environmental exposure.
Examples:
- People with darker skin tones have more melanin, providing greater protection from sun damage.
- Red hair is due to the presence of pheomelanin, a type of melanin that absorbs less light than eumelanin.
Practical Insights:
- Understanding melanin distribution helps explain different skin and hair colors.
- Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation.
- Research on neuromelanin is exploring its potential therapeutic applications in neurological disorders.
