Histological investigations of the lateral integument of the hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus (Mammalia, Insectivora). -The hair and spine areas in the lateral integument of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) were compared. For the first time, sensory pads of the epidermis with Merkel cells were observed. In the hair area, these are to be found near the thicker, protective hair and, in the spine area, near to the spines and above the M. arrector, which is inserted into the connective tissue sheath

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... f the root of the spine and which anchors itself with several bunches of spines into the corium. It faciliates the erection of individual spines in contrast to the diagonally set M. orbicularis, which motivates all of the spines simultaneously. The presence of sudoriferous glands was established in both areas; they differed, however, in size and shape. Sebaceous glands were observed above the spine roots. 1 Die vorliegende Arbeit entstand im Rahmen eines Forschungsprogramms des 2. Autors. das vom Schweizerischen Nationalfonds unterstützt wird.