Abstract
The skin and its appendages are components of the integumentary system. Particularly in dogs, the appendages are: the hair, claws, footpads, and sebaceous, sweat and mammary glands. Few studies report the initial development of these structures in domestic species. The present study aimed to describe the development of the integumentary system during the embryonic and fetal periods in dogs (Canis familiaris). Totally, 9 embryos and 31 fetuses were used for gross and microscopic descriptions. Macroscopically, the skin of concepts in embryonic ages had a translucent aspect, which allowed for the visualization of internal organs with a remarkable presence of blood vessels. The skin appendages were only identified in fetuses. Microscopically, in the embryonic period, the epidermis consisted of a single surface layer of flattened cells denoted the germinativum stratum or germinal layer. Later, a new layer form due the proliferation of keratinocytes to form the periderm. When the epidermis of the fetus was observed. There was more than one cell layer that developed between the germinal and periderm layers. In conclusion, the skin shows little development during the embryonic period, whereas its division into the dermis and epidermis and the formation of several cell layers is pronounced in the fetal period. Similarly, skin appendages developed during the fetal period
Highlights
The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, corneous appendages and associated glands
The skin had a translucent aspect in the fetuses of an embryonic age (19-32 days), which allowed for the visualization of internal organs with a remarkable presence of blood vessels (Figures 1A and 1B)
The skin appendages were only identified in fetuses of fetal age (40-44 days); during the embryonic period, no skin appendages were identified in the macroscopic analysis
Summary
The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, corneous appendages and associated glands. This system performs many functions that are important to maintain the homeostasis of the body of an animal. The integumentary system protects the body against external factors from the environment, fluid loss and the entry of harmful substances and invading microorganisms. The skin is responsible for regulating body temperature through the sweat glands and blood vessels, and the superficial nerves and their sensory endings allow for sensitivity [1]. Hair is an important characteristic to determine different species, in addition to skin protection and body temperature regulation (because this species does not have sweat glands, except in the footpads). For veterinary medicine, skin diseases related to the integument are often observed in clinical practice
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