Difference between revisions of "Autotomy"
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Several families of '''lizard''' can voluntarily '''discard the tail''' when seized by a predator. This is known as''' autotomy'''. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to '''distract the attention of the predator''', enabling the lizard to escape. | Several families of '''lizard''' can voluntarily '''discard the tail''' when seized by a predator. This is known as''' autotomy'''. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to '''distract the attention of the predator''', enabling the lizard to escape. | ||
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In a '''clinical scenario''', autotomy may occur when the lizard is being '''restrained'''. It is important to be prepared for (and try to prevent) this occurrence. | In a '''clinical scenario''', autotomy may occur when the lizard is being '''restrained'''. It is important to be prepared for (and try to prevent) this occurrence. | ||
Autotomy and regeneration occur in many '''[[Lizard Classification|iguanid]]''' species but not in many [[Lizard Classification|agamids]], [[Monitor|monitors]] and [[Chameleon|chameleons]]. | Autotomy and regeneration occur in many '''[[Lizard Classification|iguanid]]''' species but not in many [[Lizard Classification|agamids]], [[Monitor|monitors]] and [[Chameleon|chameleons]]. | ||
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| + | Lizards that are capable of autotomy have a '''vertical fracture plane''' through the body and part of the neural arch of the tail vertebrae. This is a '''plate''' of '''cartilage or connective tissue''' that develops after ossification. The vasculature supplying the tail immediately '''spasms''' when autotomy occurs, which stops any [[Haemorrhage|haemorrhage]]. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Revision as of 16:45, 28 October 2011
Introduction
Several families of lizard can voluntarily discard the tail when seized by a predator. This is known as autotomy. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to distract the attention of the predator, enabling the lizard to escape.
In a clinical scenario, autotomy may occur when the lizard is being restrained. It is important to be prepared for (and try to prevent) this occurrence.
Autotomy and regeneration occur in many iguanid species but not in many agamids, monitors and chameleons.
Lizards that are capable of autotomy have a vertical fracture plane through the body and part of the neural arch of the tail vertebrae. This is a plate of cartilage or connective tissue that develops after ossification. The vasculature supplying the tail immediately spasms when autotomy occurs, which stops any haemorrhage.
Treatment
If the tail is completely discarded, it cannot be reattached due to the disruption to the blood supply of the tail. The animal is able to grow a new tail - growth normally begins after approximately one month, and is complete after approximately one to two years. The regenerated tail is never as long or well formed as the original and may have a slightly different scale colour and pattern.
| Autotomy Learning Resources | |
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 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 24 |
References
- Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians Manson
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