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[[Image:718035.jpg|300px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved.]]
[[Image:718035.jpg|300px|thumb|right|©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved.]]
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 [[:Category:Snake Species|species]], for example the bushmaster has scales that are large with a dermal core or osteoderm while they may be partially overlapping and keeled in the rattlesnake. The smallest scales are seen in the [[Boidae|boids]] and worm snakes. The ventral scales (or scutes) are generally larger and thicker than the lateral and dorsal scales.
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 [[:Category:Snake Species|species]], for example the [[Bushmaster|bushmaster]] has scales that are large with a dermal core or [[Osteoderm|osteoderm]] while they may be partially overlapping and keeled in the [[Rattlesnake|rattlesnake]]. The smallest scales are seen in the [[Boidae|boids]] and worm snakes. The ventral scales (or scutes) are generally larger and thicker than the lateral and dorsal scales.
The skin of reptiles has numerous functions including display, protection, camouflage, [[Thermoregulation|thermoregulation]] and fluid homeostasis.
The skin of reptiles has numerous functions including display, protection, camouflage, [[Thermoregulation|thermoregulation]] and fluid [[Homeostasis|homeostasis]].
The skin is dry, with few glands compared with mammals and amphibians.
The skin is dry, with few glands compared with mammals and amphibians.
The epidermis consists of 3 layers:
The epidermis consists of 3 layers:
* ''Stratum germinatum'' - which divides and produces keratin
* ''Stratum germinatum'' - which divides and produces keratin.
* ''Stratum intermedium'' - which contains lipid, thus preventing fluid loss
* ''Stratum intermedium'' - which contains lipid, thus preventing fluid loss.
* ''Stratum corneum'' - which forms scales and scutes
* ''Stratum corneum'' - which forms scales and scutes.
In reptiles, 2 forms of keratin are present:
In reptiles, 2 forms of keratin are present:
==Dermis==
==Dermis==
The dermis of reptiles contains pigment cells, [[Snake Neurological System|nerves]] and vessels, although thick, keratinised skin is without cutaneous sensation, leaving captive reptiles at risk of [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|thermal burns]].
The dermis of reptiles contains pigment cells, [[Snake Neurological System|nerves]] and vessels, although thick, keratinised skin is without cutaneous sensation, leaving captive reptiles at risk of [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|thermal burns]].
* Find out more about [[
==Skin adaptations and cutaneous appendages==
==Skin adaptations and cutaneous appendages==