What does melanophore mean?
A melanophore is a specialized animal pigment cell containing melanin, the dark pigment responsible for much of the black, brown, and grey coloration found in skin and other tissues. The term is especially associated with fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other animals in which pigment cells can actively alter the animal's appearance. In colour-changing animals, melanin granules may be dispersed through the cell or concentrated toward its centre, making the surrounding skin appear darker or lighter. The word is also used more broadly in zoological research to describe cells involved in pigmentation. It should not be confused with melanocyte, the usual term for the melanin-producing cells of human and other vertebrate skin, or with chromatophore, a broader term for any cell containing animal pigment. In human medical contexts, melanophore is uncommon.
nounA specialized pigment-bearing cell that contains or distributes melanin, especially in the skin of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other animals. Changes in the distribution of melanin within these cells can alter an animal's appearance.
- A specialized cell containing melanin granules, especially one responsible for dark pigmentation in an animal's skin or other tissues.
- A cell whose pigment can be redistributed within it, allowing an animal to change its colour or appearance.
"The fish became darker as melanin granules dispersed throughout its melanophores."
"Microscopic examination revealed numerous melanophores beneath the amphibian's skin."
"Rapid colour change in the fish was triggered by changes in the pigment distribution within its melanophores."
The plural is used when referring to multiple pigment cells or to a cell population.
"The researchers counted melanophores in samples from several different species."
In some fish, a single melanophore can shift from displaying its dark melanin to effectively hiding it, helping the animal change colour in seconds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does melanophore come from?
The word melanophore comes from Greek melas, meaning “black,” and phoros, meaning “bearing” or “carrying.” It was adopted in zoology for a pigment-bearing cell associated with dark coloration. The same elements appear in related terms such as melanin, melanocyte, and melanogenesis.
How melanophore is actually used
This is primarily a zoological term and is not normally used in human anatomy, where melanocyte is preferred. It is especially associated with pigment cells in fish, amphibians, and other lower vertebrates.
Easily confused with melanophore
A melanophore is a melanin-containing pigment cell used especially for animals whose colour can change, whereas a melanocyte is the standard term for a cell that produces melanin in vertebrate skin, hair, and eyes.
A chromatophore is any animal pigment cell that carries colour, while a melanophore is specifically one associated with black or dark melanin pigment.