<prompt> Most common origin of melanoma is fromJunctional melanocytesEpidermal cellsBasal cellsFollicular cells  <response>: Sabiston 16e writes -Melanoma is a neoplastic disorder produced by malignant transformation of the normal melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for the production of the pigment melanin.During the first trimester of fetal life precursor melanocytes arise in the neural crest. As the fetus develops, these cells migrate to areas such as the skin, meninges, mucous membranes, upper esophagus and eyes.In each of the these locations, melanocytes have demonstrated a potential for malignant transformation, but the site most commonly associated with melanocytic transformation is the skin, where melanocytes reside at the dermalepidermal junction. 