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[[Image:Lizard_closeup.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The scaly appearance of lizard skin''' (Wikimedia Commons)]]

[[Image:Lizard_closeup.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''The scaly appearance of lizard skin''' (© Baccharus, Wikimedia Commons)]]

Lizards have relatively thick skin with ectodermal scales formed by folding of the epidermis and outer dermal layers. Lizards undergo reguler periods of [[Lizard Shedding|shedding]] (ecdysis) during which the skin comes off in large patches. Frequency depends on the species, temperature, humidity, state of [[Lizard Diet|nutrition]], and rate of growth. Presence of wounds or skin infections maybe increase the frequency of shed cycles.

Lizards have relatively thick skin with ectodermal scales formed by folding of the epidermis and outer dermal layers. Lizards undergo regular periods of [[Lizard Shedding|shedding]] (ecdysis) during which the skin comes off in large patches. Frequency depends on the species, temperature, humidity, state of [[Reptile Diet Composition|nutrition]], and rate of growth. Presence of wounds or skin infections maybe increase the frequency of shed cycles.

*Lizards such as geckos have soft, vulnerable skin.  

*Lizards such as geckos have soft, vulnerable skin.  

*Gila monsters, beaded lizards, some skinks, legless lizards, and girdle-tailed lizards have osteoderms, or dermal bony plates, usually confined to the back and sides.  

*[[Gila Monster|Gila monsters]], [[Mexican Beaded Lizard|beaded lizards]], some skinks, legless lizards, and girdle-tailed lizards have osteoderms, or dermal bony plates, usually confined to the back and sides.  

*Secondary sex characteristics such as dewlaps, spines, crests and horns are generally more developed in male lizards.  

*Secondary sex characteristics such as dewlaps, spines, [[Crest|crests]] and horns are generally more developed in male lizards.  

*Spines can also serve a protective role in bearded dragons, horned lizards and the moloch (''Moloch horridus'').

*Spines can also serve a protective role in [[Bearded Dragon|bearded dragons]], horned lizards and the moloch (''Moloch horridus'').

*Claws are usually large and well developed with sharp points in large species like iguanas and monitors. They can be trimmed regularly to prevent scratches and nails should be trimmed prior to a [[Lizard Physical Examination|physical examination]].

*Claws are usually large and well developed with sharp points in large species like iguanas and [[Monitor|monitors]]. They can be trimmed regularly to prevent scratches and nails should be trimmed prior to a [[Lizard Physical Examination|physical examination]].

A lateral skin fold between the fore and hind limbs provides a convenient site for the subcutaneous [[Lizard Injection|injection]] of fluid.

A lateral skin fold between the fore and hind limbs provides a convenient site for the subcutaneous [[Lizard Injection|injection]] of fluid.

==Colour==

==Colour==

In species that have rapid colour changes (''Chamaeleo'' spp. and ''Anolis'' spp.), cells called chromatophores are abundant and under hormonal or neurologic control (or sometimes both). Chromatophores are pigmented cells, located just beneath the basal lamina, that may react to stimulation from light or changes in temperature.

In species that have rapid colour changes (''Chamaeleo'' spp. and ''Anolis'' spp.), cells called [[Chromatophore|chromatophores]] are abundant and under hormonal or neurologic control (or sometimes both). [[Chromatophore|Chromatophores]]  are pigmented cells, located just beneath the basal lamina, that may react to stimulation from light or changes in temperature.

==References==

==References==