Pigment epithelium

Pigment epithelium refers to a layer of cells found in several organs of the body, including the eye, skin, and inner ear. These cells are responsible for producing and managing pigments, which are substances that give color to tissues and organs.

Function

The primary function of the pigment epithelium is to produce and manage pigments. In the eye, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a crucial role in visual function. It provides nutrients to the retina, absorbs light to prevent scattering, and recycles visual pigment.

In the skin, the pigment epithelium, also known as the melanocytes, produces melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin also protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

In the inner ear, the pigment epithelium, also known as the stria vascularis, produces endolymph, a fluid that plays a crucial role in hearing and balance.

Disorders

Disorders of the pigment epithelium can lead to a variety of conditions. In the eye, damage to the RPE can result in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

In the skin, abnormalities in melanocytes can lead to conditions such as vitiligo, where patches of skin lose their pigment, and melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

In the inner ear, damage to the stria vascularis can result in Meniere's disease, a disorder that causes vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

See also

• Epithelium
• Pigment
• Melanin
• Retinal pigment epithelium
• Melanocytes
• Stria vascularis