RESIDENT DENDRITIC CELLS IN THE EPIDERMIS - LANGERHANS CELLS, MERKEL CELLS AND MELANOCYTES

In addition to the keratinocytes, the epidermis contains resident cell s of dendritic morphology. These are principally the Langerhans cell, Merkel cell and melanocyte. These cells have a number of different fun ctions in the integument. The melanocyte is responsible for skin pigme ntation and protection against UV radiation, and may also play a role in the modulation of cutaneous inflammation. The Langerhans cell aids in the immunological monitoring of the body's external surfaces. The M erkel cell has neuroendocrine functions. This review gives an overview of the structure and function of these three important cells of the s kin.