Massachusetts State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What are the granules called that produce pigment in the basal layer of the skin?

1. Keratinocytes

2. Melanosomes

3. Cytokines

4. Chromatophores

The correct answer is: Melanosomes

The granules responsible for producing pigment in the basal layer of the skin are called melanosomes. These specialized organelles are found within melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin is crucial for determining skin color and provides protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation by absorbing sunlight. While keratinocytes are the predominant cells in the epidermis, they do not produce pigment. Instead, they are involved in forming the outer barrier of the skin. Cytokines are signaling proteins that mediate interactions between cells, particularly in immune responses, and are not directly involved in pigment production. Chromatophores refer to pigment-containing cells found in certain animals like fish and amphibians, but they are not relevant to human skin biology. Understanding the role of melanosomes in pigmentation helps clarify the fundamental processes of skin health and aesthetics.