Pronunciation: [pˈɪɡmənt sˈɛl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "pigment cell" is /ˈpɪɡ.mənt sɛl/. The first part of the word, "pigment," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a hard "g." The second part of the word, "cell," is pronounced with a soft "c" sound and a short "e." A pigment cell is a specialized cell found in the skin that produces and stores pigments responsible for skin, hair, and eye color.
A pigment cell is a specialized type of cell that is responsible for producing and containing pigment. Pigments are colored substances that give color to various parts of organisms, including animals, plants, and even microorganisms. In multicellular organisms, pigment cells are primarily found in the skin, hair, feathers, and other tissues with coloration.
Pigment cells play a crucial role in determining the visual appearance and patterns of an organism. These cells produce pigments, such as melanin, carotenoids, and chlorophyll, using specialized enzymes and metabolic pathways. Melanin, for example, is responsible for the coloration of the skin, hair, and eyes in humans, while carotenoids contribute to the vibrant colors of fruits, flowers, and bird feathers.
In addition to providing color, pigment cells also have other important functions. They can absorb and scatter light to provide protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation in the case of melanin. Pigment cells are also involved in thermoregulation, camouflage, and even social communication in certain species.
The abundance, type, and distribution of pigment cells vary greatly among different organisms and species, resulting in the vast array of colors observed in the natural world. The study of pigment cells and their mechanisms of pigment production and regulation is an important field of research in biology and has implications in various disciplines including genetics, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology.
A connective-tissue c. containing pigment granules.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pigment" originated from the Latin word "pigmentum", which means "coloring matter". It was derived from the Latin verb "pingere", meaning "to paint or dye". The term "cell" has roots in the Latin word "cella", denoting a small room or compartment. This word eventually evolved to refer to microscopic units of living matter. Therefore, the term "pigment cell" is a combination of the word "pigment" and "cell", indicating a specialized cell responsible for producing and containing pigments, which provide coloration to various organisms.
