ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ULTIMOBRANCHIAL GLAND IN AN ANURAN, RANA JAPONICA JAPONICA.

The development of the ultimobranchial gland (UBG) was studied from its earliest emergence in Rana japonica japonica. UBG primordia appear at stage 22 as outfoldings of the pharyngeal epithelium of the 6th visceral pouch in both sides of the body. At stage 24, they separate from the pharyngeal wall, and then become follicular at stage 25. During stages 27-30, which are just prior to metamorphic climax, the UBG seems to be activated, as shown by secondary follicle formation and pseudostratification of the follicle epithelium. At and after the completion of metamorphosis, the UBG shows a histological profile indicating low activity.