SKIN 09A

This is a higher magnification micrograph of the region around "*" in SKIN 09. The dermal connective tissue in the lower portion of the field is unremarkable. The Toluidene Blue staining reveals the layers of the epidermis very nicely: 1 = s. corneum, 2 = s. granulosum, 3 = s. spinosum, 4 = s. basale. At three points ("*") along the interface between the epidermis and the dermis are distinctive cells with prominent pale cytoplasm surrounding their round nuclei. These are melanocytes - cells that reside within the s. basale and synthesize melanin granules (melanosomes) which they transfer to the keratinoctytes of the epidermis via a mechanism called cytocrine secretion.

Slide M-9, field J26/J27 of finder slide B, 40X objective