todropscience:These are ossicles, small calcareous elements embedded in the skin of the snake sea
todropscience: These are ossicles, small calcareous elements embedded in the skin of the snake sea cucumber (Synapta sp). Ossicles are embedded in the dermis of the body wall of echinoderms, such sea cucumbers, sea stars, brittle stars, and sea urchins. They form part of the endoskeleton and provide rigidity and protection. These small structures varying in shape, size, and in number, depending on the species. Photo: Sea-cucumber skin by Christian Gautier, Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition -- source link
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