Changes

Male squamates have paired copulatory organs called hemipenes. These are caudal extensions of the [[Cloaca|cloaca]], except in ''Ramphotyphlops'' spp.  

Male squamates have paired copulatory organs called hemipenes. These are caudal extensions of the [[Cloaca|cloaca]], except in ''Ramphotyphlops'' spp.  

The hemipenes are located in the invaginations at the base of the tail and are held in place by a retractor muscle. The functional surface of the [[Hemipenes|hemipenis]] is the lumen of this cavity.  The paired openings of the [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] are just inside the mucocutaneous junction and one fourth of the way medial from the lateral corners of the [[Vent|vent]]. For copulation they evert through the [[Vent|vent]]. The [[Hemipenes|hemipenes]] may have protuberances that help grip the female and there is a surface groove, the sulcus spermaticus, involved in the propulsion of semen.

The hemipenes are located in the invaginations at 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 medially from the lateral corners of the vent. For copulation they evert through the vent, which is the external opening of the cloaca. 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 examination]].

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