Histological Observation on Skin of Tylototriton taliangensis

The microstructure of the skin of the salamander Tylototriton taliangensis was observed.The results were as follows:the skin at different parts of the body differed in thickness,but remained similar in the basic structure.The surface of the skin was rough,and its epidermis was keratinized to a relatively high degree.Capillary vessels were abundant in the junction of the dermis and the epidermis,and more abundant in the dorsal skin than ventrally.Capillary vessels in the dermis frequently caused a protuberance of the dermis where cellular layers in the epidermis were less than other parts.The skin was rich in pigment cells that were found mainly in the loose layer of the dermis.There were two kinds of glands present,namely mucous glands and granular glands.Mucous glands were small and found throughout the skin of the body,but were most abundant in the ventral skin.Typical granular glands were larger than mucous glands.Granular glands,which were mainly located in the ear area,backside of body,and tail,were grouped to form special granular zones in corresponding areas of the skin.