General Anatomy · Integumentary System · Medium

Melanocyte

Meaning: A pigment-producing cell in the skin, hair and eye that gives them their colour.

In practice: Melanoma develops when a melanocyte becomes cancerous and starts dividing uncontrollably.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: The voice box — produces sound when air passes through vocal cords.

Which word means: A ring of muscle that surrounds an opening or tube and contracts to close it.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.