[The adaptation to water of whale skin. Histologic and histochemical studies of the dolphin, Delphinus delphis, and the porpoise, Phocaena phocaena].

In the whale the superficial layer of the epidermis (stratum paracorneum) is incompletely cornified and is characterized by high contents of phospholipids, neutral fats, and glycoproteins. This finding, and especially the structure of the dermis (hypodermis) in relation to its function, are discussed as to the role they play in the adaptation of whales to the aquatic environment.