Epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation in the beak of tadpoles of Rana dalmatina

The beak utilized in tadpoles of R. dalmatina for crushing vegetables is formed of cornified cell layers. A row of large wedge-like cells forms a central pile that produces the sharp corneous lamina of the beak. The labial and oral surfaces of the beaks also accumulate corneous material during proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes from the epidermis to form a sheath around the central corneous cells. Leer más.