Skin structure of the slow worm lizard Anguis fragilis (Anguidae, Sauria, Reptilia) with emphasis on the epidermal micro‐ornamentation in relation to the animal movements (Acta Zoologica, Stockholm). The structure of the skin and superficial micro‐ornamentation in the slow worm Anguis fragilis, a limbless lizard with a fossorial activity, was examined using histology, immunofluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The scales, with a triangular to trapezoidal shape, are very overlapped and interlocked to form a smooth surface and are reinforced by osteoderms. The epidermis shows a thin Oberhautchen layer merged with a thicker beta‐layer that contains corneous beta‐proteins. The SEM survey detects a smooth surface made of tile‐like patterned Oberhautchen cells with irregular perimeters that form an interlocking surface. Disk‐like sensory organs of 15–20 μm diameter are observed only on the head scales, the first to sense the environment and contact the ground. Numerous Oberhautchen denticles, namely corneous thorns of about 0.2–0.3 μm, adorn the caudally directed perimeter of Oberhautchen cells in the ventral scales of the trunk and tail. This microstructure may determine gripping and increased friction with the substrate during the lateral undulating and forward movements of the slow worm. TEM observations reveal sparse short serrated protrusions of Oberhautchen cells that are largely merged with the underlying beta‐cells. Altogether, the scale surface of the slow worm efficiently suites this limbless lizard to its environment and lifestyle.

中文翻译：

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慢蠕虫蜥蜴 Anguis fragilis（蜥科、蜥蜴亚纲、爬行纲）的皮肤结构，重点是与动物运动相关的表皮微装饰

慢虫蜥蜴的皮肤结构脆弱鳗（鳗鱼科、蜥蜴亚目、爬虫亚纲）重点关注与动物运动相关的表皮微装饰（动物学报，斯德哥尔摩）。慢虫的皮肤结构和表面微装饰脆弱鳗一种具有化石活动的无肢蜥蜴，通过组织学、免疫荧光、扫描和透射电子显微镜进行了检查。鳞片形状为三角形到梯形，非常重叠和互锁，形成光滑的表面，并由骨皮加固。表皮显示出薄薄的 Oberhautchen 层与含有角质 β 蛋白的较厚 β 层合并。SEM 调查检测到由瓷砖状图案 Oberhautchen 细胞组成的光滑表面，其周长不规则，形成互锁表面。仅在头部鳞片上观察到直径为 15-20 μm 的盘状感觉器官，它们是第一个感知环境并接触地面的器官。大量的 Oberhautchen 细齿，即约 0.2-0.3 μm 的角质刺，装饰着躯干和尾部腹鳞中 Oberhautchen 细胞的尾部定向周边。这种微观结构可以决定慢蠕虫横向波动和向前运动期间与基底的抓握和摩擦力的增加。TEM 观察揭示了 Oberhutchen 细胞稀疏的短锯齿状突起，这些突起大部分与下面的 β 细胞融合。总而言之，慢蠕虫的鳞片表面有效地适应了这种无肢蜥蜴的环境和生活方式。