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==Chemoreception==

==Chemoreception==

[[Image:SpecSense_330.bmp|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:SpecSense_330.bmp|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

==Heat-sensitive receptors==

==Heat-sensitive receptors==

Specialised infrared receptors, the heat-sensitive receptors or pit organs, occur on the heads of [[Boa constrictor|boids]] and pit vipers.  They are extremely sensitive to small changes in the temperature and are used to locate [[Snake Feeding|warm-blooded prey]].  In captivity they may make the eating of dead prey, especially if frozen, a problem.  Ticks and [[Snake Mites|mites]] are frequently found in the pits of newly imported snakes.

Specialised infrared receptors, the heat-sensitive receptors or pit organs, occur on the heads of [[Boa constrictor|boids]] and pit vipers.  They are extremely sensitive to small changes in the temperature and are used to locate [[Snake Feeding|warm-blooded prey]].  In captivity they may make the eating of dead prey, especially if frozen, a problem.  Ticks and [[Snake Mites|mites]] are frequently found in the pits of newly imported snakes.

[[Image:Boid_pits_-_789012.jpg|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Boid_pits_-_789012.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Boid pits''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]][[Image:Pit_viper_pits_-_718041.jpg|200px|thumb|left|'''Pit viper pits''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

*In '''pit vipers''', one heat sensitive pit organ occurs on each side of the head slightly ventral to a line drawn between the nostril and the eye.  It appears that their sensory fields overlap and create heat perception in the three dimensions.  They are innervated by the ophthalmic and maxillary branches of the trigenimal nerve.

*In '''pit vipers''', one heat sensitive pit organ occurs on each side of the head slightly ventral to a line drawn between the nostril and the eye.  It appears that their sensory fields overlap and create heat perception in the three dimensions.  They are innervated by the ophthalmic and maxillary branches of the trigenimal nerve.

*Most [[Boa constrictor|'''boids''']] have receptors in pits along the upper labial scales.  The morphology of the receptors varies among species.  These pits are smaller and simpler than those of the pit vipers and are innervated by the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve.

*Most [[Boa constrictor|'''boids''']] have receptors in pits along the upper labial scales.  The morphology of the receptors varies among species.  These pits are smaller and simpler than those of the pit vipers and are innervated by the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve.

*Find out more about [[Snake Feeding|snake feeding]] and how to give a [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]

*Find out more about [[Snake Feeding|snake feeding]] and how to give a [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]

[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]

[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]