
Stratum basale: melanocytes
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x

Melanocytes
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x

- Melanin
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x

Stratum basale
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x

Stratum spinosum
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x

Stratum granulosum
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x

Stratum corneum
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x

Papillary layer of dermis
This section shows a more highly pigmented epidermis with increased melanin in the stratum basale cells. Melanocytes, identified by their clear cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei, are visible among the basal cells. The number of melanocytes remains constant across individuals with different skin tones, however their melanin-synthesizing activity varies. Pentachrome stain, 1000x