Gross and Histomorphology of the Skin of the Indian Chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus)

Abstract

The skin of the Indian chameleon appeared thick, mottled with dorsal and ventral crest of spike from neck to tail. It was generally covered by non-overlapping keratinized scales. The various shapes of scales viz., conical, labial, tubercular and polygonal were observed. The skin consisted of epidermis and dermis microscopically. The epidermis was made up of stratified squamous epithelium, keratinized type. The stratum lucidum and stratum corneum were well developed. The dermis consisted of a superficial loose connective tissue with iridophores and a deep dense connective tissue with melanophores. No glands were observed. The presence of only two chromatophores viz., iriodophores and melanophores may be attributed to the limited color change in the Indian chameleon.