The ultrastructure of lamellated mechanoreceptors in the skin of reptiles.

Abstract

Lamellated receptors in the skin of reptiles were studied with the light and electron microscope. As revealed by reconstructions of serial sections, there are three types of lamellated receptors: The spindle shaped endings have a length of up to 0.5 mm. In Caiman, the lamellae (inner core) of the encapsulated receptor with a capsule space have a structure similar to that of the inner core of the Vater-Pacinian corpuscle. The lamellation (inner core) of the terminals of Natrix and Varan shows similarities with the inner core of the Herbst corpuscle. Lamellated receptors usually form an element of the sensory innervation of touch papillae in the reptile skin.