Difference between revisions of "Snake Special Senses"

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[[Image:Royalpython.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Heat-sensitive receptors in labial pits of a [[Royal Python|royal python]]''' Photo credit: Claire Porteous]]
 
 
==Chemoreception==
 
==Chemoreception==
The chemosensory system in reptiles is mediated by sensory cells in the nasal cavity and by the Jacobson's organ (vomeronasal organ) that is located in the roof of the mouth, caudal to the rostral scales and within the margins of the upper arcade.  The tongue brings odoriferous particles to the Jacobson's organ, which is innervated by the vomeronasal branch of the olfactory nerve.  Receptors may also detect the presence of water.  A chemosensory system analogous to taste exists in reptiles where taste buds and sensory papillae are spread throughout the oral mucosa.  They are innervated primarily by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).
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[[Image:SpecSense_330.bmp|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
 
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The chemosensory system in reptiles is mediated by sensory cells in the nasal cavity and by [[Jacobsons organ|Jacobson's organ]] (vomeronasal organ) that is located in the roof of the mouth, caudal to the rostral scales and within the margins of the upper arcade.  The tongues brings odoriferous particles to Jacobson's organ, which is innervated by the vomeronasal branch of the olfactory nerve.  Receptors may also detect the presence of water.  A chemosensory system analogous to taste exists in reptiles where taste buds and sensory papillae are spread throughout the oral mucosa.  They are innervated primarily by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).
 
==Heat-sensitive receptors==
 
==Heat-sensitive receptors==
Specialised infrared receptors, the heat-sensitive receptors or pit organs, occur in the labial pits of [[Boidae|boids]] and [[Pythoninae|pythons]], and the heat pits of [[Pit viper|pit vipers]].   
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Specialised infrared receptors, the heat-sensitive receptors or pit organs, occur on the heads of [[Boa constrictor|boids]] and pit vipers.  They are extremely sensitive to small changes in the temperature and are used to locate [[Snake Feeding|warm-blooded prey]].  In captivity they may make the eating of dead prey, especially if frozen, a problem.  Ticks and [[Snake Mites|mites]] are frequently found in the pits of newly imported snakes.
They are extremely sensitive to small changes in the temperature and are used to locate warm-blooded prey.  In captivity they may make the eating of dead prey, especially if frozen, a problem.  Ticks and [[Snake Mites|mites]] are frequently found in the pits of newly imported snakes.
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[[Image:Boid_pits_-_789012.jpg|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
*In [[Pit viper|pit vipers]], one heat sensitive pit organ occurs on each side of the head slightly ventral to a line drawn between the nostril and the [[Snake Eye|eye]].  It appears that their sensory fields overlap and create heat perception in the three dimensions.  They are innervated by the ophthalmic and maxillary branches of the trigenimal nerve.
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*In '''pit vipers''', one heat sensitive pit organ occurs on each side of the head slightly ventral to a line drawn between the nostril and the eye.  It appears that their sensory fields overlap and create heat perception in the three dimensions.  They are innervated by the ophthalmic and maxillary branches of the trigenimal nerve.
*Most [[Boidae|boids]] have receptors in pits along the upper labial scales.  The morphology of the receptors varies among species.  These pits are smaller and simpler than those of the [[Pit viper|pit vipers]] and are innervated by the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve.
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[[Image:Pit_viper_pits_-_718041.jpg|200px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]
==Snake Ear==
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*Most [[Boa constrictor|'''boids''']] have receptors in pits along the upper labial scales.  The morphology of the receptors varies among species.  These pits are smaller and simpler than those of the pit vipers and are innervated by the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve.
Snakes have no external evidence of an ear.  There is no tympanic membrane or middle ear cavity.  The columella, an ossicle, extends from the inner ear to the quadrate bone and may detect vibrations from the ground through the jaw.  Snakes may be able to detect airborne low frequency sound (150 to 600Hz).
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*Find out more about [[Snake Feeding|snake feeding]] and how to give a [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]
 
 
* '''For more information on examining a snake, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].
 
==References==
 
Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 50. ISBN 072169327X
 
 
 
 
 
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{{OpenPages}}
 
 
 
 
[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]
 
[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]
[[Category:Snake Physiology]]
 

Revision as of 16:09, 30 March 2010



Chemoreception

©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved

The chemosensory system in reptiles is mediated by sensory cells in the nasal cavity and by Jacobson's organ (vomeronasal organ) that is located in the roof of the mouth, caudal to the rostral scales and within the margins of the upper arcade. The tongues brings odoriferous particles to Jacobson's organ, which is innervated by the vomeronasal branch of the olfactory nerve. Receptors may also detect the presence of water. A chemosensory system analogous to taste exists in reptiles where taste buds and sensory papillae are spread throughout the oral mucosa. They are innervated primarily by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).

Heat-sensitive receptors

Specialised infrared receptors, the heat-sensitive receptors or pit organs, occur on the heads of boids and pit vipers. They are extremely sensitive to small changes in the temperature and are used to locate warm-blooded prey. In captivity they may make the eating of dead prey, especially if frozen, a problem. Ticks and mites are frequently found in the pits of newly imported snakes.

©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved
  • In pit vipers, one heat sensitive pit organ occurs on each side of the head slightly ventral to a line drawn between the nostril and the eye. It appears that their sensory fields overlap and create heat perception in the three dimensions. They are innervated by the ophthalmic and maxillary branches of the trigenimal nerve.
©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved
  • Most boids have receptors in pits along the upper labial scales. The morphology of the receptors varies among species. These pits are smaller and simpler than those of the pit vipers and are innervated by the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve.
  • Find out more about snake feeding and how to give a physical examination