Difference between revisions of "Snake Musculoskeletal System"
| (4 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{OpenPagesTop}} |
| − | Snakes have greatly modified their skeletal system from their [[Lizard|lizard]]-like ancestry. Growth is rapid in the first few years and is dependent upon the frequency of [[Snake Feeding|feeding]] and activity. | + | Snakes have greatly modified their skeletal system from their [[Lizard|lizard]]-like ancestry. Growth is rapid in the first few years and is dependent upon the frequency of [[Snake Feeding and Digestion|feeding]] and activity. |
==Head== | ==Head== | ||
| − | The skull of a snake is more delicate than that of other reptiles and is characterised by its kinetic nature. The braincase is a solid structure designed to allow insertion of muscles associated with the palatomaxillary arch and mandibles. These are loosely attached and act independently. Each quadrate articulates with the caudal parts of both the palatomaxillary arch and mandible. The hinges between these bones which | + | The skull of a snake is more delicate than that of other reptiles and is characterised by its kinetic nature. The braincase is a solid structure designed to allow insertion of muscles associated with the palatomaxillary arch and mandibles. These are loosely attached and act independently. Each quadrate articulates with the caudal parts of both the palatomaxillary arch and mandible. The hinges between these bones are elastic ligaments which connect the mandibles (unique in the animal kingdom) and allow the snake to eat prey that is larger than its own head (see [[Snake Feeding and Digestion|snake feeding]] and [[Snake Diet|snake diet]]). Unlike lizards and turtles, the eyeball does not have a sclerotic ring. There is no temporal arch or interorbital septum and a middle ear cavity is lacking. A middle ear ossicle is present and fused to the quadrate. There is only one occipital condyle. |
| + | |||
==Limbs== | ==Limbs== | ||
Snakes do not have thoracic limbs, a sternum or pectoral girdle but a pelvic girdle may be present. In these species there may be external spurs which may be important during courtship, particularly in the [[Pythoninae|pythons]]. | Snakes do not have thoracic limbs, a sternum or pectoral girdle but a pelvic girdle may be present. In these species there may be external spurs which may be important during courtship, particularly in the [[Pythoninae|pythons]]. | ||
| − | * '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Reproductive System]]. | + | * '''For more information on reproduction, see''' [[Snake Reproductive System]]. |
| + | |||
==Vertebrae and ribs== | ==Vertebrae and ribs== | ||
The number of dorsal vertebrae may number from 80 to over 400. Each of these (except the first two) has a pair of ribs that form a tube to protect the internal organs. The vertebrae have more articulating facets than in mammals and this results in great mobility. The ribs extend to the ventral scales to which they are attached by muscles. Caudal autotomy may occur in some species of [[Colubridae|colubrids]]. | The number of dorsal vertebrae may number from 80 to over 400. Each of these (except the first two) has a pair of ribs that form a tube to protect the internal organs. The vertebrae have more articulating facets than in mammals and this results in great mobility. The ribs extend to the ventral scales to which they are attached by muscles. Caudal autotomy may occur in some species of [[Colubridae|colubrids]]. | ||
* '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Locomotion]]. | * '''For more information, see''' [[Snake Locomotion]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{review}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{OpenPages}} | ||
| + | |||
[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]] | [[Category:Snake_Anatomy]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:09, 18 August 2012
Snakes have greatly modified their skeletal system from their lizard-like ancestry. Growth is rapid in the first few years and is dependent upon the frequency of feeding and activity.
Head
The skull of a snake is more delicate than that of other reptiles and is characterised by its kinetic nature. The braincase is a solid structure designed to allow insertion of muscles associated with the palatomaxillary arch and mandibles. These are loosely attached and act independently. Each quadrate articulates with the caudal parts of both the palatomaxillary arch and mandible. The hinges between these bones are elastic ligaments which connect the mandibles (unique in the animal kingdom) and allow the snake to eat prey that is larger than its own head (see snake feeding and snake diet). Unlike lizards and turtles, the eyeball does not have a sclerotic ring. There is no temporal arch or interorbital septum and a middle ear cavity is lacking. A middle ear ossicle is present and fused to the quadrate. There is only one occipital condyle.
Limbs
Snakes do not have thoracic limbs, a sternum or pectoral girdle but a pelvic girdle may be present. In these species there may be external spurs which may be important during courtship, particularly in the pythons.
- For more information on reproduction, see Snake Reproductive System.
Vertebrae and ribs
The number of dorsal vertebrae may number from 80 to over 400. Each of these (except the first two) has a pair of ribs that form a tube to protect the internal organs. The vertebrae have more articulating facets than in mammals and this results in great mobility. The ribs extend to the ventral scales to which they are attached by muscles. Caudal autotomy may occur in some species of colubrids.
- For more information, see Snake Locomotion.
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
Error in widget FBRecommend: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt674213183e99f3_87911810 Error in widget google+: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt67421318482532_74822732 Error in widget TwitterTweet: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt674213184e4ba4_75237070
|
| WikiVet® Introduction - Help WikiVet - Report a Problem |