Crocodilian armor

Crocodile armor consists of the protective dermal and epidermal components of the integumentary system in animals of the order Crocodilia.

The dermal exoskeleton consists of bony scutes known as osteoderms that underlie the epidermal scales of the dorsal surface of the trunk and anterior part of the tail.

The epidermis of an embryo, young, or half-grown Crocodilia contains the rete Malpighii: a single layer of short, cylindrical cells.

The stratum corneum consists of strongly flattened cells in which the nuclei can no longer be clearly seen, though their location can usually be determined by the groups of pigment granules.

Rathke[3] pointed out that on the surface of certain folds of the integument, especially in the region of the jaws, are found in all Crocodilia certain small, scattered, wart-like elevations, around each of which is customarily a narrow, shallow, circular groove; they usually have a dark brown but sometimes a gray or even white color.

Microscopic examination shows these warts to be of epidermal origin, consisting of bright, round cells that are closely united, without visible intercellular substance.

In probably all members of the genus Crocodilus, at least is found, on the thick swelling on the right and on the left side of the neck and trunk, a small, flat pit which has the appearance of the opening of an integumental gland.

Investigations in young animals show that these bones usually take their origin in the under and middle layers of the cutis and generally work towards the periphery.