Pigment cells
Pigment Cells
Pigment cells (pronunciation: /ˈpɪɡmənt sɛlz/), also known as Chromatophores, are specialized cells that produce and store pigment. These cells are found in a wide variety of organisms, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects.
Etymology
The term "pigment cells" is derived from the Latin word 'pigmentum', meaning 'paint', and the Greek word 'kytos', meaning 'cell'.
Types of Pigment Cells
There are several types of pigment cells, including:
- Melanocytes: These cells produce melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes in mammals.
- Xanthophores: These cells produce yellow and red pigments. They are found in fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
- Iridophores: These cells produce iridescent pigments, which reflect light to create a shimmering effect. They are found in fish and reptiles.
- Leucophores: These cells produce white pigments and are found in some fish and amphibians.
Function
Pigment cells play a crucial role in the coloration of an organism, which can serve various functions such as camouflage, mate selection, and ultraviolet protection.
Related Terms
- Melanin
- Chromatophores
- Melanocytes
- Xanthophores
- Iridophores
- Leucophores
- Camouflage
- Mate selection
- Ultraviolet
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pigment cells
- Wikipedia's article - Pigment cells
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