Ultrastructure of epidermal sensory receptors in Amphibolurus barbatus (Lacertilis: Agamidae)

Summary

The histological and ultrastructural organisation of the epidermal sensory organs in Amphibolurus barbatus has been described with respect to their position and possible functions. The sensory organs, located at the scale's edge, are most numerous in scales of the dorsal surface of the head. Most other scales of the body surface have two receptors located laterally to the spine or keel of the scale. In the imbricate scales of the ventral body region, the receptors lie just beneath the reinforced scale lip. Scanning electron microscopy has revealed the surface of the organ to be a crater lacking any surface projections. These sensory organs have a dermal papilla consisting of a nerve plexus and loose connective tissue. The nerve fibres arising from the plexus, pass to the epidermal columnar cells, where some form nerve terminals at the base of the cells, while others pass between them to form nerve terminals embedded in a superficial layer of cuboidal cells. The superficial terminals are held against the overlying α keratin by masses of tonofilaments. The β keratin is thickened to form a collar around the periphery of the organ but is only about 0.5 μm thick immediately above it. Mechanical deformation of the scale's spine or reinforced scale lip may initiate stimulation of the nerve terminals described.