Dermal Chromatophoies

SYNOPSIS The pigmentation of poikilotherms is based upon thepresence of deimal chiomatophoies melanophores, lndophores,and xanthophores The form function, and composition of eachchromatophore type is discussed, and variations n melano somecomposition are described Recent theories about the mechanismof melanosome movement are discussed The role of mdophores inpigmentation processes is described and their impoitance instructural coloration is evaluated Interrelationships of thepigmentary organelles of all three chromatophores are discussed,and evidence is piesented that they have a common origin Associationsof pigment cells with themselves or with other elements of theintegument are described as i basis for chromatophore function