The ticks integument serves as a body covering, as the primary protection against water loss and also as the exoskeleton. This provides protection against mechanical and other types of physical damage. The cuticle can be differentiated into the thinner epicuticle and the much thicker procuticle of protein and chitin. However, in ixodid ticks the outer part of the procuticle, termed exocuticle, becomes sclerotized in certain regions, i. e., the scutum.

Polymerized and crosslinked proteins form the so called sclerotin. The inner part of the procuticle is termed endocuticle. It is characterised by lamellae: this region consists of nonsclerotized protein and chitin in a protein matrix.
The procuticle is permeated by innumerable tiny canaliculi.
At the base of the cuticle the subcuticular layer is found, containing an unpolymerized chitin and protein complex. It is followed by the epidermis and at least by the basement membrane. In the epidermis are also included the 2-3 cell dermal glands and the specialized cells that generate the setae or proprioceptive sensillae. The dermal glands secrete their waxy fluid through the entire cuticle¹.