Cytological studies of the epidermis of Rana pipiens and Rana clamitans tadpoles, with special reference to the figures of Eberth

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Abstract
The conspicuous intracellular fibers (figures of Eberth) which are present in the basal epidermal cells of Rana pipiens and Rana clamitans tadpoles are thought to be connective tissue branches from the corium. They are not believed to represent fused mitochondria as concluded by Saguchi ('13). Their probable function is to furnish support to the basal epidermal cells and to strengthen the connection of the epithelial layer to the corium.It is believed that fully developed tadpole skin, before the period of metamorphosis has begun, consists of only two layers of cells, although there may appear to be more. Each of these layers is believed to be self‐maintaining by mitotic division within the individual layer. The basal layer apparently does not furnish cells to the outer layer, nor was any evidence found that the outer layer is sloughed during the larval period.