Density of Toruli Tactiles in the Japanese Monkey

Abstract

SummaryTwo Japanese monkeys of both sexes were examined for density of Toruli tactiles (TT) on the shaved skin stained with methylene blue solution. Each Torulus tactilis was located by the aid of a binocular loupe and marked with white lacquer. The distribution of marked TT was estimated by a mean of TT per 2cm square (2CS) of skin on the body surface. The results obtained are as follows. The mean per 2CS on the entire body surface was approximately 8.7 in the female specimen and approximately 10.0 in the male specimen. The density of distribution of TT was highest in the temporal and buccal areas, on the neck, loins and the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the arms and forearms. Density was moderate in the parieto‐occipital and gluteal areas, the back, the ventral surface of the cranial half of the trunk and the lateral surface of the thigh. Density was low, to near absence in the circumanal area, on the nose, upper eyelids, cars, ischial callosities, external genitals, palms and soles.