The biology of pigmentation

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

2 Scopus citations


The many factors involved in the normal pigmentation of human skin are highly complex involving anatomic, biochemical, and genetic aspects of melanocytes in the skin and the influence of UV light and various hormones on the melanocytes. It is probably more than just coincidence that the melanocytes, which are of neurogenic origin, are so responsive to several trophic hormones produced in the brain (pituitary). Understanding of the various factors involved in the normal pigmentary process is crucial to explaining the many alterations and anomalies in human pigmentation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)79-91
Number of pages13
JournalBirth Defects: Original Article Series
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 1981
Externally publishedYes


ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics(clinical)

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