Col. SEM of eye melanocyte cell & pigment granules (P424/0108) Tapestry

Eye pigment cell. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a melanocyte cell with granules of pigment in the light-sensitive retina of the eye. The surface of this melanocyte cell (filling most of frame) has been removed revealing granules of melanin pigment (blue). Covering the cell are numerous finger-like processes called microvilli (purple). This melanocyte forms part of the pigmented epithelium, the outermost cell layer of the retina, beyond which is the highly pigmented choroid. The melanin pigment of this cell absorbs light rays passing through the retina. This prevents interference due to light reflection, assisting with vision. Magnification: unknown.