The epidermis protects deeper tissues from solar radiation through the action of .

The epidermis protects deeper tissues from solar radiation through the action of melanocytes.

Melanocytes are specialized skin cells situated in certain parts of the body such as the lower layer of the skin's epidermis, the inner ear, the middle layer of the eye, heart, and bones. Melanocytes are responsible for the production of the protective skin-darkening pigment known as melanin that determines the skin’s colour. Melanin mainly functions as protection against solar radiation. It also play a role in the immune system.