Summary
The digital pads of three tree-frogs (genus Rhacophorus) have been studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The distal parts of the outermost epidermal cells are separated by wide gaps. The surface of these cells is characterized by stout microvillus-like processes. The apical plasma membrane is reinforced by a layer of electron-dense material attached to its inner side. The cytoplasm contains bundles of tonofilaments extending into the apical cellular processes, numerous ribosomes and abundant granular and vesicular inclusions. In the connective tissue under the epidermis mucous glands — characterized by granule-containing, mitochondria-rich and smooth muscle cells — and an extensive nerve plexus occur. The latter innervates the mucous glands and in addition consists of sensory fibres which have been found in connection with lamellated sensory corpuscles. In respect of the degree of adaption towards a tree-dwelling life, the excluvisely tree inhabiting species (Rhacophorus reinwardti) appears to be particularly advanced.
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With financial support of “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft” (We 380/5, Sto 75/3)
With financial support of SFB 38, Membranforschung.
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Welsch, U., Storch, V. & Fuchs, W. The fine structure of the digital pads of rhacophorid tree frogs. Cell Tissue Res. 148, 407–416 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224267
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224267