Memoirs: On the Epithelial Fibres in the skin of Mammals

Abstract

1. The structure of the epidermis is cellular, the syncytial theory of Frieboes being in disagreement wit11 the histological, embryological, and physiological evidence. 2. Two independent types of fibres--intrace11u1ar (Ereidesms) and intracellular(Deinopores)--are present in the epidermis. 3. The Ereidesms are elaborated by the cytoplasm of the epidermal cells. 4. They are distributed in strict accordance with the laws of mechanics, their direction in any cell being that of the resultant of a11 mechanical forces acting on the cell. 5. The function of the Ereidesms is that of a supporting tissue. 6. The intercellular fibres (i.e. Deinopores) are ramifications of the undifferentiated cytoplasm of the epidermal cells, binding these elements together. 7. Their distribution--in contrast with the intracellular fibres--is in nowise due to the mechanical forces acting on the cells. 8. The function of the intercellular fibres is probably nutritive, their presence being due to the lack of blood-vessels in the epidermis. 9. All Deinopores (i.e. bridges) without exception bear nodes. No definite conclusion, however, has been reached with regard to their significance.