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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 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 thermal burns.
* Find out more about [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|snake vesicular dermatitis (blister disease)]].
* Find out more about [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|snake vesicular dermatitis (blister disease)]].
==Scales==
There is much variation in the size and shape of scales among species of snakes. For instance the [[Bushmaster|bushmaster]] has scales that are large with a dermal core or 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.
==Glands==
==Glands==
Almost no skin glands occur in snakes, but [[Cloaca|coacal]] scent glands (anal glands) are present. They occur at the base of the tail, dorsal to the [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] in a male, and open into the posterior margin of the cloaca. These organs play a role in defense resulting from their unpleasant odour, which may also carry social signals. These may become enlarged, impacted, or abscessed in captivity.
Almost no skin glands occur in snakes, but [[Cloaca|coacal]] scent glands (anal glands) are present. They occur at the base of the tail, dorsal to the [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] in a male, and open into the posterior margin of the cloaca. These organs play a role in defense resulting from their unpleasant odour, which may also carry social signals. These may become enlarged, impacted, or abscessed in captivity.