Comparative morphology and function of dermal structures in oceanic squids (Cephalopoda)

Roper, Clyde F.E., and C.C. Lu. Comparative Morphology and Function of Dermal Structures in Oceanic Squids (Cephalopoda). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 493, 40 pages, 81 figures, 1 table, 1990.—A survey was conducted on the histology and functional morphology of dermal structures (dermal cushions or "scales" and tubercles) of 10 species in 6 families of oceanic squids using SEM and light microscopy. Specific differences in connective tissue and cartilaginous tissue types were noted. Cartilages reminiscent of elastic cartilage and fibrocartilage of vertebrates are reported in cephalopods, one of the few such reports in invertebrates. Hyaline cartilaginous tubercles also are present. Functions hypothesized for dermal structures based on structural analysis and biology of the species include two dermal buoyancy mechanisms, like buoyancy vests, and a locomotory mechanism suggested for reducing hydrodynamic drag. Comparative morphology of dermal structures permitted reassessment of systematic relationships in Lepidoteuthis, Pholidoteuthis, and Tetronychoteuthis. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Roper, Clyde F.E., 1937— Comparative morphology and function of dermal structures in oceanic squids (Cephalopoda) / Clyde F.E. Roper and C.C. Lu. p. cm.—(Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 493) Includes bibliographical references. 1. Cephalopoda—Anatomy. 2. Cephalopoda—Classification. 3. Dennis. L Lu.C.C. II. Title. IIL Series QL1.S54 no. 493 [QL430.2] 591 s—dc20 [594'.58] 89-600344