Difference between revisions of "Snake and Lizard Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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− | + | <big><center>[[Reproductive System|'''BACK TO REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM''']]</center></big> | |
− | + | <big><center>[[Reproductive_System#Exotics|'''BACK TO EXOTICS''']]</center></big> | |
− | + | <big><center>[[Exotics_-_Reptile_Reproductive_Anatomy_and_Physiology_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'''BACK TO REPTILE REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY''']]</center></big> | |
− | [[ | ||
− | ==== Testes | + | |
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+ | = Lizards (Squamata) = | ||
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+ | == Male == | ||
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+ | === Testes === | ||
* Located cranial to the kidneys. | * Located cranial to the kidneys. | ||
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** Has its own testicular blood vessels. | ** Has its own testicular blood vessels. | ||
− | + | === Phallus === | |
* Paired hemipenes | * Paired hemipenes | ||
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== Female == | == Female == | ||
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=== Ovary === | === Ovary === | ||
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=== Temperate Species === | === Temperate Species === | ||
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=== Tropical Species === | === Tropical Species === | ||
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= Snakes (Squamata Serpentes/Ophidia) = | = Snakes (Squamata Serpentes/Ophidia) = | ||
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Revision as of 08:11, 25 July 2008
Lizards (Squamata)
Male
Testes
- Located cranial to the kidneys.
- Attached to the dorsal wall by a mesochorium.
- In some species, the kidney has a posterior sexual segment that becomes swollen during the breeding season and contributes to seminal fluid.
- Right testis lies cranial to the left.
- Intimately connected to the vena cava by short blood vessels.
- Left testis lies close to the adrenal gland.
- Has its own testicular blood vessels.
Phallus
- Paired hemipenes
- Stored in the base of the tail.
- Visualised externally by bulges at the ventral proximal tail.
- Only one hemipene is used during copulation.
- Erected by vascular engorgement and muscular action.
- Everted to protrude through the cloaca.
- Sperm passes from the ductus deferens into the male urodeum.
- Sperm is then carried in a groove down the hemipene to be deposited in the female cloaca.
Female
Ovary
- Paired
- Consists of a cluster of oocytes lined by a thin mesovarium.
- Right ovary is close to the vena cava.
- Attached to vena cava by tiny blood vessels.
- Left ovary lies close to the left adrenal gland.
- Has its own ovarian blood supply.
Oviduct
- Paired
- Pleated
- Wide infundibulum
Oviparity
This is the usual state for lizards, including all Geckos and Iguanas.
- Eggs are retained within the mother until birth.
- Normal clutch size is 3-5.
- Eggs covered by a leathery shell
- Can appear shrunken when laid.
Viviparity
About 1/5 of lizards are viviparous including the common European Lizard.
- Foetus retained within the oviduct.
- Primative placental type of circulation.