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A scanning electron microscope study of the odontoids and teeth in Hemiphractus proboscideus (Anura: Hylidae)
Author(s) -
Shaw J. P.,
Ellis S. A.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1989.tb02599.x
Subject(s) - premaxilla , biology , anatomy , enamel paint , apex (geometry) , maxilla , materials science , composite material
In Hemiphractus proboscideus odontoids are found on the dentary, angular and palatine bones. The morphology of all odontoids is similar, although there are minor variations. They grow by appositional growth, probably quite slowly and possibly seasonally. The odontoids are produced as a result of increase in width of the lamellae near the surface of their supporting bone, and seem to be capable of repair after damage in vivo . The teeth on the premaxilla, maxilla and prevomer are strongly recurved and are composed of dentine covered over their apical one‐fifth by a thin layer of aprismatic enamel. The teeth are monocuspid but each possesses two small tubercles which are situated on the mesial and distal margins near the apex. The surface dentine is composed of longitudinal bundles of calcified fibres connected by horizontal interlocking fibres. During tooth replacement resorption bays are visible on the external and pulpal surfaces of the dentine.