Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      crwz
Text:        Why do tatoos persist without spreading out or dissolving?  That 
is, why does the dye used stay within the cell?  I wonder - if the cells 
themselves are stained and cells are replaced periodically, why do not tatoos 
disappear fairly rapidly?  Two local tatoo parlors and a local tatoo-removing 
doctor did not really have adequate answers.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      psych
Text:        I cannot say I am sure about this but I would guess that the dye 
probably stains connective tissue which is not turned over as rapidly.  There 
are many cells which are involved in laying down and maintaining connective 
tissue, connective tissue includes things like bone, cartilage and ligaments.  
It is also everywhere in a body as a sort of fine net which helps hold things 
together.