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[[Image:Lizard_autotomy.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Lizard tail after autotomy''' (© Metatron, Wikimedia Commons]]

[[Image:Lizard_autotomy.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Lizard tail after autotomy''' (© Metatron, Wikimedia Commons]]

Like other reptiles, lizards have a single occiptal condyle. Ribs are present on all vertebrae except tail and cervical vertebrae.

Like other reptiles, lizards have a single occiptal condyle. Ribs are present on all vertebrae except tail and cervical vertebrae.

==Autotomy==

==Autotomy==

Several families of lizard can '''voluntarily discard the tail''' when seized by a predator, this is known as [[Autotomy|autotomy]]. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to '''distract the attention of the predator''', enabling the lizard to escape.

Several families of '''lizard''' can voluntarily '''discard the tail''' when seized by a predator. This is known as''' autotomy'''. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to '''distract the attention of the predator''', enabling the lizard to escape.  

 

Lizards that are capable of [[Autotomy|autotomy]] have a '''vertical fracture plane''' through the body and part of the neural arch of the tail vertebrae. This is a plate of '''cartilage or connective tissue''' that develops after ossification. The '''vasculature''' supplying the tail immediately '''spasms''' when autotomy occurs, which stops any [[Haemorrhage|haemorrhage]]. If the tail is completely discarded, it '''cannot be reattached''' because to disruption to the blood supply of the tail. The animal is able to '''grow a new tail''' - growth normally begins after about one month, and is complete after approximately one to two years. The regenerated tail is '''never as long or well formed''' as the original and may have a slightly different scale colour and pattern.

In a '''clinical scenario''', autotomy may occur when the lizard is being '''restrained'''. It is important to be prepared for (and try to prevent) this occurrence.

In a '''clinical scenario''', autotomy may occur when the lizard is being '''restrained'''. It is important to be prepared for (and try to prevent) this occurrence.

Autotomy and regeneration occur in many '''[[Lizard Classification|iguanid]]''' species but not in many [[Lizard Classification|agamids]], [[Monitor|monitors]] and [[Chameleon|chameleons]].

Autotomy and regeneration occur in many '''[[Lizard Classification|iguanid]]''' species but not in many [[Lizard Classification|agamids]], [[Monitor|monitors]] and [[Chameleon|chameleons]].

{{Learning

{{Learning

* Mader, DR (2005) '''Reptile Medicine and Surgery''' Saunders. ''pp. 1264. ISBN 072169327X''

* Mader, DR (2005) '''Reptile Medicine and Surgery''' Saunders. ''pp. 1264. ISBN 072169327X''

[[Category:Lizard_Anatomy|M]]

[[Category:Lizard_Anatomy|M]]

 

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