Abstract
Collagen structural organization plays an important role in the mechanical property of the vertebrate integument. Bufo ictericus and Rana catesbeiana integument was investigated by light microscopy and laser confocal microscopy. Collagenous elements of the dermis were statistical analyzed. The integument is formed by the keratinized squamous stratified epidermis supported by the dermis that is subdivided into the spongious layer with a loose arrangement, and the compact layer formed by collagenous fibers arranged compactly in a criss-crossed manner. Thick collagenous columns have a perpendicular trajectory, and are formed by the assembling of alternating collagenous lamellae in both animals. Short intercolumns of collagenous fibrils connecting collagenous lamellae obliquely or transversally are observed in R. catesbeiana dorsal integument. The present study provides evidences that B. ictericus and R. catesbeiana integument has well-organized compact dermis, constituted by collagenous lamellae in a plywood manner. The integument organization is in contrast to the literature in some aspects. This dermal arrangement is important to the biomechanical property of both anuran integuments.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.