The number of melanocytes in human epidermis

Abstract

In human epidermis the population density of melanocytes (pigmentary dendritic cells) is of the order of 1,000 per mm.2 in the skin of the thigh and arms, but may be twice to four times as great in the skin of the face and forehead. There is nevertheless a wide range of variation between the corresponding areas on different individuals. It is suggested that regional differences in the frequency of occurrence of melanomas may be primarily due to differences in the population density of melanocytes. © 1954, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.