Skin

February 5, 2025

The epidermis is covered in dermal denticles, these are small tooth-like protective scales, their shape and orientation direct water flow over the sharks’ body which improves its swimming efficiency by reducing turbulence and drag. The outer layer of the denticle is covered in enamel, underneath this is dentine and a pulp cavity in the centre which has a blood supply.

The dermis is the anchorage site for the denticles, it is comprised of connective tissue, muscle fibres, sensory nerve cells and blood vessels.