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Integument of Amphibians

The integument of amphibians consists of scales in primitive tetrapods but modern amphibians like frogs and salamanders lack scales. The skin of amphibians contains glands and layers of epidermis that protect the animal and help with moisture regulation and gas exchange. Specialized nuptial pads may form on male amphibians during breeding season to aid in mating.

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14 views1 page

Integument of Amphibians

The integument of amphibians consists of scales in primitive tetrapods but modern amphibians like frogs and salamanders lack scales. The skin of amphibians contains glands and layers of epidermis that protect the animal and help with moisture regulation and gas exchange. Specialized nuptial pads may form on male amphibians during breeding season to aid in mating.

Uploaded by

TJ Harris
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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 Integument of Amphibians

o most primitive tetrapods had scales like the fishes from which they arose
o Among living amphibians, dermal scales are present only as vestiges in some species of
tropical caecilians (Apoda).
o Frogs and salamanders lack all traces of dermal scales
o skin of the aquatic larvae of salamanders includes:
- a dermis of fibrous connective tissue, consisting of superficial loose tissue over a
compact deep layer
o Cellular components of the epidermis:
- surface apical cells
- deep basal cells
- Leydig cells
- scattered through out the epidermis
- thought to secrete substances that resist entry of bacteria or viruses
o In terrestrial adults
- dermis is similarly composed of fibrous connective tissue
- Presence of a thin stratum corneum:
protection from mechanical abrasion
retards loss of moisture from the body without unduly shutting off cutaneous
gas exchange
o distinct regions of the epidermis:
- strata basale, spinosum, granulosum, and corneum
o breeding season, nuptial pads may form on digits or limbs of male salamanders or frogs
o Nuptial pads - raised calluses of cornified epidermis that help the male hold the female
during mating
o two types of multicellular glands in the the skin of frogs and salamanders
 mucous glands
tend to be smaller,
each being made up of a little cluster of cells that release their product into a
common duct
 poison glands (granular glands)
tend to be larger
often contain stored secretions within the lumen of each gland

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