Anatomy

Melanophores

Chromatophores (large pigment cells of fish, amphibia, reptiles and many invertebrates) which contain melanin. Short term color changes are brought about by an active redistribution of the melanophores pigment containing organelles (MELANOSOMES). Mammals do not have melanophores; however they have retained smaller pigment cells known as MELANOCYTES.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Chromatophores (large pigment cells of fish, amphibia, reptiles and many invertebrates) which contain melanin. Short term color changes are brought about by an active redistribution of the melanophores pigment containing organelles (MELANOSOMES). Mammals do not have melanophores; however they have retained smaller pigment cells known as MELANOCYTES.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Melanophore

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

15 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, cytology, drug effects, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

do not confuse with MELANOCYTES

MeSH Record

History Note

78(75); was see under CHROMATOPHORES 1963-77

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Chromatophores (1966-1974)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. A11w.436.265w.531

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Melanophores. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D008547. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D008547
  2. Melanophores. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70063071