Use of scanning electron microscopy for the study of human epidermal melanocytes.

A method is presented which makes it possible to study melanocytes in situ in the human epidermis by means of scanning electron microscopy. Melanocytes are located both under and wedged between the basal epidermocytes. The dendrites describe a short course in the dermo-epidermal (d-e) junction and then ascend and disappear into the spaces between the epidermocytes. As a rule, the surface of the cells is smooth. However, proliferations such as blebs and microvilli can sometimes be observed on the surface, particularly on that of the round, adendritic cells. Contact between the melanocytes in the d-e junction is only occasionally seen.