Structure and possible function of micropits in the integument of the slimy salamander, Plethodon chlorobryonis / by Prentice Scott Williams.
| Author/creator | Williams, Prentice Scott author. |
| Other author | Singhas, Charles A., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Biology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1997. |
| Description | iv, 51 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | The slimy salamander, chlorohryonis, is a fully terrestrial, lungless amphibian Respiratory gas exchange occurs only through the integument and oral epithelium. Several studies have described the epidermis to be a smooth, nonkeratinized, stratified squamous epithelium which is kept moist by glandular secretions. In the present study, scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal the presence of multiple, regularly spaced invaginations (39+0.7/[mu]m2) over the surface of cells comprising the stratum corneum. These invaginations, which have been termed micropits, appear as spherical structures approximately 160 nm in diameter. Comparison of the integuments from representatives of the families Plethodontidae, Ambystomatidae, Amphiumidae and Salamandridae reveal the presence of micropits only in the family Plethodontidae These results suggest that micropits may be an advantage in these lungless urodeles, possibly by facilitating cutaneous respiration and/or preventing desiccation by the retention of mucous to the skin. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Biology. |
| General note | Advisor: Charles Singhas |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1997 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 49-51). |
| Genre/form | dissertations. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |