Difference between revisions of "Lizard Integument"

Revision as of 22:18, 25 February 2010

Lizards have relatively thick skin with ectodermal scales formed by folding of the epidermis and outer dermal layers. Lizards undergo reguler periods of shedding (ecdysis) during which the skin comes off in large patches. Frequency depends on the species, temperature, humidity, state of nutrition, and rate of growth. Presence of wounds or skin infections maybe increase the frequency of shed cycles.

Lizards such as geckos have soft, vulnerable skin.

In species that have rapid colour changes (Chamaeleo spp. and Anolis spp.) chromatophores are abundant and under hormonal or neurologic control (or sometimes both). Chromatophores are pigmented cells, located just beneath the basal lamina, that may react to stimulation form light or changes in temperature.

Dewlaps, spines, crests and horns are generally more developed in male lizards.

Chromatophores are responsible for the change of skin colour in species capable of it.

A lateral skin fold between the fore and hind limbs provides a convenient site for the subcutaneous injection of fluid.

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-{{review}}
+{{unfinished}}
-[[Image:Lizard_closeup.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The scaly appearance of lizard skin''' (© Baccharus, Wikimedia Commons)]]
+[[Image:The_skin_of_a_lizard.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The scaly appearance of the skin of the lizard''' (''Lacerta agilis'') (© RVC and its licensors. All rights reserved)]]
-Lizards have relatively thick skin with ectodermal scales formed by folding of the epidermis and outer dermal layers. Lizards undergo regular periods of [[Lizard Shedding|shedding]] (ecdysis) during which the skin comes off in large patches. Frequency depends on the species, temperature, humidity, state of [[Reptile Diet Composition|nutrition]], and rate of growth. Presence of wounds or skin infections maybe increase the frequency of shed cycles.
+Lizards have relatively thick skin with ectodermal scales formed by folding of the epidermis and outer dermal layers. Lizards undergo reguler periods of shedding (ecdysis) during which the skin comes off in large patches. Frequency depends on the species, temperature, humidity, state of nutrition, and rate of growth. Presence of wounds or skin infections maybe increase the frequency of shed cycles.
-*Lizards such as geckos have soft, vulnerable skin.
+Lizards such as geckos have soft, vulnerable skin.
-*[[Gila Monster|Gila monsters]], [[Mexican Beaded Lizard|beaded lizards]], some skinks, legless lizards, and girdle-tailed lizards have osteoderms, or dermal bony plates, usually confined to the back and sides.
-*Secondary sex characteristics such as dewlaps, spines, [[Crest|crests]] and horns are generally more developed in male lizards.
-*Spines can also serve a protective role in [[Bearded Dragon|bearded dragons]], horned lizards and the moloch (''Moloch horridus'').
-*Claws are usually large and well developed with sharp points in large species like iguanas and [[Monitor|monitors]]. They can be trimmed regularly to prevent scratches and nails should be trimmed prior to a [[Lizard Physical Examination|physical examination]].
-A lateral skin fold between the fore and hind limbs provides a convenient site for the subcutaneous [[Lizard Injection|injection]] of fluid.
+In species that have rapid colour changes (''Chamaeleo'' spp. and ''Anolis'' spp.) chromatophores are abundant and under hormonal or neurologic control (or sometimes both). Chromatophores are pigmented cells, located just beneath the basal lamina, that may react to stimulation form light or changes in temperature.
-==Colour==
+Dewlaps, spines, crests and horns are generally more developed in male lizards.
-In species that have rapid colour changes (''Chamaeleo'' spp. and ''Anolis'' spp.), cells called [[Chromatophore|chromatophores]] are abundant and under hormonal or neurologic control (or sometimes both). [[Chromatophore|Chromatophores]]  are pigmented cells, located just beneath the basal lamina, that may react to stimulation from light or changes in temperature.
+Chromatophores are responsible for the change of skin colour in species capable of it.
-Also see: <big><b>[[Integument of Exotic Species - Anatomy & Physiology#Reptiles|Reptile Skin]]</b></big>
+A lateral skin fold between the fore and hind limbs provides a convenient site for the subcutaneous injection of fluid.
-==Literature Search==
-[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
-Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
-<br><br><br>
-[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 - '''Full Text Article''']
-==References==
-* Mader, D.R. (2005). ''Reptile Medicine and Surgery''. Saunders. pp. 1264. ISBN 072169327X
-[[Category:Lizard_Anatomy|I]]

Difference between revisions of "Lizard Integument"

Revision as of 22:18, 25 February 2010

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