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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.
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 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 and fluid 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.
*Rattle - it is present in some snakes and used to warn predators. It is enlarged with each [[Snake Shedding|shed]].
*Rattle - it is present in some snakes and used to warn predators. It is enlarged with each [[Snake Shedding|shed]].
*Gastrosteges - they are a single row of large ventral scales in snakes that aid [[Snake Locomotion|locomotion]].
*Gastrosteges - they are a single row of large ventral scales in snakes that aid [[Snake Locomotion|locomotion]].
Also see: <big><b>[[Integument of Exotic Species - Anatomy & Physiology#Reptiles|Reptile Skin]]</b></big>
{{Learning
|full text = [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093355673.pdf '''Reptilian dermatology.''' Wyneken, J.; Mader, D.; Baer, C. K.; Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, Chester Heights, USA, Proceedings of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, 16th Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, 8-15 August, 2009, 2009, pp 83-87]
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==References==
==References==
Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 51 ISBN 072169327X
Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 51 ISBN 072169327X
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[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]
[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]