In addition to those usually mentioned in textbooks on comparative anatomy, the anuran skin contains, in many species, a layer situated between the stratum compactum and the stratum spongiosum which is acellular and which has a selective tinctorial affinity for Alizarine, haematoxylin, Alcian Blue and ionized iron. The indications are that this layer consists of acid mucopolysaccharides and calcium. This layer is most prominently developed in the more differentiated anuran families. It is almost entirely absent in the aquatic species but predominantly present in the terrestrial forms. Presumably this layer plays an important part in the defence mechanism of the Anura against desiccation.
SynopsisThe Reptilia and Amphibia are two distinct groups of vertebrates. However, they show a number of similarities, such as ectothermy and ecdysis, and are therefore compared and contrasted in this paper.The physical features of the skin of reptiles and amphibians vary considerably; in the case of the amphibians the skin is usually relatively thin and may play a part in respiration while that of the reptile is often thick and impervious due to heavy keratinisation. Little is known of the ‘climate’ of the integument and there are relatively few data on its chemistry. Various pathogens may gain entry to the skin but usually this necessitates breaching the epithelium or taking advantage of existing damage.
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