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==Function and Morphology==

==Function and Morphology==

Reptile skin functions to protect from physical trauma, desiccation, infection, osmotic damage and extremes of temperature. There are several layers.  The dermis is mainly connective tissue but contains the pigment cells. The epidermis is characterised by scales that are covered with keratin. The size and shape of scales varies greatly among [[:Category:Snake Species|species]], for example the [[Bushmaster|bushmaster]] has scales that are large with a dermal core or [[Osteoderm|osteoderm]] while they may be partially overlapping and keeled in the [[Rattlesnake|rattlesnake]]. The smallest scales are seen in the [[Boidae|boids]] and worm snakes. The ventral scales (or scutes) are generally larger and thicker than the lateral and dorsal scales.  

Reptile skin functions to protect from physical trauma, desiccation, infection, osmotic damage and extremes of temperature. There are several layers.  The dermis is mainly connective tissue but contains the pigment cells. The epidermis is characterised by scales that are covered with keratin. The size and shape of scales varies greatly among [[:Category:Snake Species|species]]: the [[Bushmaster|bushmaster]] has scales that are large with a dermal core or [[Osteoderm|osteoderm]] while they may be partially overlapping and keeled in the [[Rattlesnake|rattlesnake]]. The smallest scales are seen in the [[Boidae|boids]] and worm snakes. The ventral scales (or scutes) are generally larger and thicker than the lateral and dorsal scales.  

The skin of reptiles has numerous functions including display, protection, camouflage, [[Thermoregulation|thermoregulation]] and fluid [[Homeostasis|homeostasis]].   

The skin of reptiles has numerous functions including display, protection, camouflage, [[Thermoregulation|thermoregulation]] and fluid [[Homeostasis|homeostasis]].   

The skin is dry, with few glands compared with mammals and amphibians.

The skin is dry, with few glands compared with mammals and amphibians.

==Epidermis==

==Epidermis==

The epidermis consists of 3 layers:

The epidermis consists of 3 layers: