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Lizard Musculoskeletal System (view source)
Revision as of 10:25, 13 September 2011
, 10:25, 13 September 2011added Manson flashcard information
==Autotomy==
==Autotomy==
Several families of lizard can voluntarily discard the tail when seized by a predator. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to distract the attention of the predator, enabling the lizard to escape. The animal is able to grow a new tail, although the regenerated tail is never as long or well formed as the original.
Several families of lizard can '''voluntarily discard the tail''' when seized by a predator, this is known as [[Autotomy|autotomy]]. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to '''distract the attention of the predator''', enabling the lizard to escape.
Lizards that are capable of [[Autotomy|autotomy]] have a vertical fracture plane through the body and part of the neural arch of the tail vertebrae. This is a plate of cartilage or connective tissue that develops after ossification. Autotomy and regeneration occur in many [[Lizard Classification|iguanid]] species but not in many [[Lizard Classification|agamids]], [[Monitor|monitors]] and [[Chameleon|chameleons]].
Lizards that are capable of [[Autotomy|autotomy]] have a '''vertical fracture plane''' through the body and part of the neural arch of the tail vertebrae. This is a plate of '''cartilage or connective tissue''' that develops after ossification. The '''vasculature''' supplying the tail immediately '''spasms''' when autotomy occurs, which stops any [[Haemorrhage|haemorrhage]]. If the tail is completely discarded, it '''cannot be reattached''' because to disruption to the blood supply of the tail. The animal is able to '''grow a new tail''' - growth normally begins after about one month, and is complete after approximately one to two years. The regenerated tail is '''never as long or well formed''' as the original and may have a slightly different scale colour and pattern.
In a '''clinical scenario''', autotomy may occur when the lizard is being '''restrained'''. It is important to be prepared for (and try to prevent) this occurrence.
Autotomy and regeneration occur in many '''[[Lizard Classification|iguanid]]''' species but not in many [[Lizard Classification|agamids]], [[Monitor|monitors]] and [[Chameleon|chameleons]].
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 24]]
}}
==References==
==References==
* Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
* Mader, DR (2005) '''Reptile Medicine and Surgery''' Saunders. ''pp. 1264. ISBN 072169327X''
[[Category:Lizard_Anatomy|M]]
[[Category:Lizard_Anatomy|M]]
[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]
[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]