Integument Lab

1. Background
Vertebrate integument many functions including: mechanical protection, osmoregulation,
respiration, thermoregulation, defence, sense reception, locomotion, etc., etc. It consists
of 2 prominent regions: the superficial epidermis (derived from ectoderm) and deeper
dermis (derived from dermatome of mesodermal somite).
The epidermis is stratified into one or many layers. The deepest layer is the stratum
germinativum sits on a basement membrane and gives rise to the more superficial
epidermal layers. The outer-most epidermal layer is the stratum corneum (not found in
fishes) and consists mostly of keratin (main component of reptilian scales, feathers, hair,
claws, etc.)
The thicker dermis consists of a vascular stratum spongiosum layer that overlies a deeper
stratum compactum layer. The latter contains connective fibers that secure the skin to the
underlying musculature. Within the dermis are smooth muscle fibers, vasculature, and
nerve endings. Subdermal fat may be deposited below the stratum compactum layer.
Chromatophores (neural crest) occur in the dermis but can send pseudopods into the
overlying epidermis. Glands mostly originate from the epidermis sink into the dermis.
Scales may be dermally derived (fishes) or epidermally derived (reptiles).
Be able to identify and understand the functions of the various integumental structures
discussed below.
2. Chondrichthyans: sharks and rays
A placoid scale consists of a basal plate and a spine connected via a neck. Development
begins in the dermis as a dermal papilla. The growing spine is pushed into and
surrounded by the basal layer of the epidermis, which produces the enamel covering.
The dermal papilla then expands to form the inner part of the spine, which consists of
pulp cavity rich in blood vessels and dentine. Placoid scales are continuously shed (do
not increase in size with growth). Placoid scales reduce friction and serve a protective
function.
A. placoid scales
-epidermis (stratum germinativum), dermis (stratum sponigosum and compactum),
chromatophores, placoid scale (basal plate, neck, spine)

3. Osteichthyans: bony fishes

Most bony fishes possess some kind of armour, although many groups are naked (e.g.,
hagfish and lampreys). Primitive ray-finned actinopterygians (gars, bichirs) have ganoid
scales which have lamellar bone covered by a thick layer of shiny enamel (ganoin) with
little or no dentine. Most are diamond-shaped and are connected to each other by pegand-socket joints. Teleost scales include cycloid and ctenoid types and are found in more
advanced actinopterygians. The scales lack the enamel-like covering (these scales are
usually embedded in the skin). Cycloid scales (salmon and carp) have a smooth posterior
margin and are composed of concentric rings (circuli) that are laid down in annual growth
rings (estimate age). Ctenoid scales (perch) are characteristic of the most derived teleosts
and bear ctenii.
A. ganoid scale
-thick layer of shiny enamel (ganoin) with thin or no dentine, lamellar bone thick, may
or may not have vascular bone
-mostly diamond-shaped and connected by peg-and-socket joints

B. teleost scales
-lacks enamel (except for ctenii), dentine, spongy vascular bony layer; hence much
thinner and lighter
-consists only of a lamellar bony layer of hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate
-imbricate in a head-to-tail direction (reduces drag and increases flexibility)
-2 types:
1. cycloid
-smooth posterior margin
-composed of concentric rings (circuli) that are laid down with growth
-annual cycles are apparent (estimate age)

2. ctenoid
-toothed posterior margin with tiny teeth called ctenii

4. Amphibians
The integument is scaleless and moist. The epidermis consists of stratum germinativum
that gives rise to the cornified stratum corneum (flat squamous cells filled with keratin).
Small club-shaped glandular cells are present.
The dermis consists of stratum spongiosum and compactum. Within the dermis are large
glands (derived from epidermis). Mucus glands are located just below the basement
membrane of the overlying epidermis, whereas poison glands are usually found deeper
within the dermis.
A. frog integument
-epidermis (stratum germinativum and corneum), dermis (stratum spongiosum and
compactum), chromatophores, poison glands, mucus glands

5. Reptiles
Epidermis is varied among different reptilian species. Keratinized epidermis forms large
plates in crocodilians and turtles (scutes), whereas lizards and snakes have overlapping
epidermal scales. The stratum granulosum and corneum layers of the epidermis in the
latter are periodically shed (ecdysis).
A. snake integument
-epidermis (stratum germinativum, granulosum, and corneum), dermis (stratum
spongiosum and compactum), chromatophores, epidermal scale

Emporia University

Aves
Bird integument lacks glands (preening using uropygial gland). Epidermis is thin and
consists of stratum germinativum and stratum corneum. Dermis is thicker and contains
large amounts of fat, vasculature, and nerve endings. Epidermal scales are situated on
legs and feet. Keratinous beaks and claws are derived from the epidermis (stratum
coreum). Feathers are modified epidermal scales and are located in feather follicles that
sink deep within the dermis. Arrectores plumarum move feathers the follicles.
A. bird integument
-epidermis, dermis, feather follicle, feather shaft, arrectores plumarum muscle

-types of feathers: flight (provide flight), contour (provides color and shape of bird),
down (provides isulation), filoplume (sensory function)

Kardong

6. Mammals
Mammalian skin is thick. The epidermis contains multiple layers (stratum germinativum,
stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum corneum) which become increasing filled
with keratin towards the surface of the skin. The dermis is thick and contains connective
tissue fibers, vasculature, nerve ending, and adipose cells. Two epidermally derived
glands (sweat and sebaceous) are present in the dermis. Hair is found in a hair follicle.
The hair develops from the hair papillae and consists of a hair shaft. Arrector pilli
muscles elevate the hair shaft. Hair can be modified into quills, vibrissae (whiskers),
eyelashes, etc. Claws, hooves, and nails are derived from the stratum corneum and
consists of the unguis (outer) and subunguis surfaces. Horns (sheep, cattle, goats, bison,
etc.) are paired, non-branching usually, non-shedding protective structures (both sexes)
that consist of an inner bony core (from the frontal bones) covered in a keratinous sheath.
The horn of a rhinoceros consists entirely of hair (hair horn). Antlers are branching
structures consisting of dermal bone that is attached to the skull of males and are shed
annually. The antlers are initially covered with skin and soft hair (velvet) which is
eventually worn off. The pronghorn horn consists of a permanent core of bone that
grows from the frontal bones of the skull. The bone is covered by a branched keratinous
sheath which is shed and regrown on an annual basis.

A. mammalian integument
-epidermis (stratum germinativum, lucidum, corneum), dermis, sweat gland, sebaceous
gland, hair follicle, hair shaft, arrector pilli muscle

-view various horns and antlers and the human skin model