Definition of Pigmentation

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Pigmentation: The coloring of the skin, hair, mucous membranes, and retina of the eye.

Pigmentation is due to the deposition of melanin which is a coloring matter. The melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes.

Other pigmented terms include hyperpigmentation (too much pigment), hypopigmentation and underpigmentation (too little pigment), and depigmentation (loss of pigment).

Last Editorial Review: 6/20/1999 7:50:00 PM

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