**6. Conclusion**

The morphoanatomical activities of the melanocytes have evolved to enable them to perform specific functions with great efficiency: the regulated production and distribution of melanin within the epidermis. It is unfair to think that melanocytes reap all the glory for their role in pigmenting the skin and providing it critical protection against UV damage. They also play a significant role in diverse physiological functions such as phagocytosis, vision, hearing, balancing and several neuroendocrinal functions. Ultrastructural diversity is found in melanocytes, based on their specific locations like type of melanin produced (pheo- or eumelanin), shape, size, and number of melanosomes. These structural differences result in functional differences as well, such as the cutaneous and hair pigmentation. There is increasing evidence that melanocytes are associated with pathophysiological circumstances as well. Diverse effects such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are associated with malfunctioning of the pigmentary system of unknown etiology. Further study of these organelles may not only furnish insights into the underlying intricate mechanisms of pigmen‐ tation, but could also yield therapeutic tools for skin disorders.
