Question: in what structural layer of the skin and by what cells is melanin produced
Answer: Melanocytes ( / məˈlænəˌsaɪt , - noʊ - / ( listen ) or / ˈmɛlənəˌsaɪt , - noʊ - / ) are melanin - producing neural - crest derived cells located in the bottom layer ( the stratum basale ) of the skin 's epidermis , the middle layer of the eye ( the uvea ) , the inner ear , meninges , bones , and heart .