A transitional desmosome/tonofibril network may relay mechanical strain to epidermal nerve terminals with high fidelity and sensitivity in the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer): an ultrastructural study

Here, we describe for the first time the ultrastructure of TDs in the crocodile skin with diverse expression of CDs that may focus and amplify force via a tonofibril system "hugging" the receptor. Corneocytes, granular keratinocytes, and nerve endings function as a single integrated system. Thereby, mechanical strain is gathered from a relatively large area of the epidermis and concentrated onto the small surface of the discoid receptor. This may ensure that any deformation of the surrounding corneocytes is efficiently and reliably transferred to the nerve membrane, allowing the crocodile to detect very subtle stimuli. The crocodile system appears to have a far more structured and specialized adaptation for high-fidelity mechanosensation than that of humans.