Melanocytes are located in which skin layer?

• A. Dermis
• B. Epidermis
• C. Subcutaneous tissue
• D. Hypodermis

Answer: (B)

Melanocytes reside in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. They are mainly located in the stratum basale, the deepest part of the epidermis, where they extend dendritic projections to transfer melanin to surrounding keratinocytes. This pigment accumulates around the nucleus to help shield skin cells from UV damage. The dermis and subcutaneous tissue lie deeper and are not where melanocytes are normally found, so the epidermis is the correct layer.