Dermal Pressure Receptors (DPRs) are dotted sensory pits found on the scales of animals in the Alligatorinae family, which includes alligators and caimans. In these species Dermal Pressure Receptors are restricted to the head area, mainly found along the jawline, eyes, nose and upper palate. Animals in the Crocodylinae and Gavialinae families, which include crocodiles, have DPRs distributed over their entire bodies.

Dermal Pressure Receptors were previously called Integumentary Sense Organs (ISOs) because of their location in the integumentary or outer layer of the skin. Along the jaw line they resemble black beard stubble and there may be as many as three or four Dermal Pressure Receptors at the outer edges of a single scale. On other areas of the body, such as the belly of a crocodile, DPRs are often white and there may only be one per scale.

Dermal Pressure Receptors are not well understood but it is assumed function differs depending on where they are located on the animal's body. Those on the head are hypersensitive to the slightest changes in pressure from surrounding water. When a fish swims within close proximity, for example, the disturbance creates tiny waves that impinge on the Dermal Pressure Receptors. The sensation alerts the crocodile or alligator of not only the presence but the precise location of prey, even in murky water where vision is poor. At the surface when languidly resting with eyes and nostrils exposed, an animal with Dermal Pressure Receptors might instantly thrash out and catch underwater prey that was otherwise entirely undetectable.

Alligators are mainly found in fresh water while crocodiles live in brackish or salt water, leading some researchers to theorize that the Dermal Pressure Receptors covering the crocodile's body might be involved in chemical reception or salinity detection, but conclusive evidence is lacking.

After surviving nearly 200 million years virtually unchanged, crocodile and alligator skin became popular in the 1900's which led to hunting the animals nearly to extinction. Due to conservationists efforts alligators have recovered and regulated trade of skins is legal once again. However crocodiles remain on the endangered species list. If buying boots, belts or other items advertised as alligator skin, Dermal Pressure Receptors should be absent, as alligator skin come from the belly where no DPRs are found. If a white or black Dermal Pressure Receptor is present on some or all of the scales, the item is not made from alligator skin.