The skin of primates XXVIII. The stump‐tail MACAQUE (Macaca speciosa)

Though having some similarities to that of the rhesus monkey, the skin of the stump‐tail macaque has several unique features. The epidermis has a sparse population of active melanocytes, and there is practically no pigmentation in the dermis. The dermis is rich in elastic fibers, the function of which seems to be to anchor the hair follicles and the arrectores pilorum muscles, and the superficial blood vessels. Large numbers of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands in the forehead and scalp are reminiscent of the axillary organ in the Hominioidea. The very large sebaceous glands on the face and bald forehead and scalp resemble those of man. The forehead and anterior portion of the scalp are bald in the adult but not in juvenile animals. In spite of an apparently rich pelage, these animals seem to show a trend toward nakedness.