Snake Skin

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 size and shape of scales varies greatly among species. The ventral scales (or scutes) are generally larger and thicker than the lateral and dorsal scales. The spectacle overlies the eye. The skin contains almost no glands and is shed (ecdysis) on a regular basis.