Dark Pigmented Integument
a
The stratum basale contains melanocytes that spread there melanin to adjacent keratinocytes cells.
b
The surface appears dark because the dead condensed cornified cells of the stratum corneum is filled with keratin and melanin.
c
Melanocytes have spread their melanin to all the cells of the stratum germinativum.
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The stratum basale contains melanocytes that spread there melanin to adjacent keratinocytes cells.
Compare this page to the page for light pigmented integument