Changes

Male squamates have paired copulatory organs called [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]]. These are caudal extensions of the cloaca, except in Ramphotyphlops spp. Normally they are invaginations in the base of the tail and are held in place by a retractor muscle. The functional surface of the hemipenis is the lumen of this cavity.  The paired openings of the hemipenes are just inside the mucocutaneous junction and one fourth of the way medial from the lateral corners of the vent. For copulation they evert through the vent. The hemipenes may have protuberances that help grip the female and there is a surface groove, the sulcus spermaticus, involved in the propulsion of semen.

Male squamates have paired copulatory organs called [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]]. These are caudal extensions of the cloaca, except in Ramphotyphlops spp. Normally they are invaginations in the base of the tail and are held in place by a retractor muscle. The functional surface of the hemipenis is the lumen of this cavity.  The paired openings of the hemipenes are just inside the mucocutaneous junction and one fourth of the way medial from the lateral corners of the vent. For copulation they evert through the vent. The hemipenes may have protuberances that help grip the female and there is a surface groove, the sulcus spermaticus, involved in the propulsion of semen.

*For information on sexing snakes, see [[Snake Physical Examination|snake physical examinations]]

*For information on sexing snakes, see [[Snake Physical Examination|snake physical examination]]

[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]

[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]