Histological Structure of the integument in Mystus pelusius (Solander)

Abstract

The histological structure of the integument in Mystus pelusius have been investigated. The study based on the micro- anatomical investigation of the skin fragments taken from nine specific regions of the body. The results of the present study revealed that the integument comprise three principal layers, represented by the epidermis, the dermis (corium) and the subcutis. The epidermis may further be divided into the outer most epithelial layer (coverage), the middle layer and the basal layer (stratum germinativum) .The thickness of the epidermis in the investigated fish varies to a great extend (50-250 μm). The dermis of M. pelusius is consisting of a relatively thin upper layer of loose vascular connective tissue called the stratum laxam and a thic lower compact layer called stratum compactum. The thickness of the dermis showed a great exterd (25-250 μm). The subcutis is the inner most and almost the thinnest layer of the skin. It shows some empty spaces which are occupied by fat cells. The thickness of the subcutis layer in M. pelusius is ranged from 38 μm to 175 μm.