Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 77 (4): 593-598, 2004
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Histological features of the frontal tumefaction in Melanophryniscus (Amphibia:
Anura: Bufonidae)
We analyzed the histology of skin from the head region of six species of
Melanophryniscus, belonging to the stelzneri (4) and tumifrons (2) groups, to understand the
frontal tumefaction structure and function. The histological features of the skin in the stelzneri group are in agreement with
the current description for the genus Melanophryniscus. However, the features of the skin on the anterior head region of
M. tumifrons shows several changes associated with the frontal tumefaction. This structure consists of a
macrogland of similar organization to that of other dermic glands (e.g., parotoid, paracnemid) of amphibians. We propose the name
frontal macrogland for this structure. Our results suggest a possible defense role for this macrogland.
Key words:
glands, histology,
Melanophryniscus, skin, tegument.
