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[[Image:Royalpython.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Heat-sensitive receptors in labial pits of a [[Royal Python|royal python]] Photo credit: Claire Porteous]]

[[Image:Royalpython.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Heat-sensitive receptors in labial pits of a [[Royal Python|royal python]]''' Photo credit: Claire Porteous]]

==Chemoreception==

==Chemoreception==

The chemosensory system in reptiles is mediated by sensory cells in the nasal cavity and by [[Jacobsons organ|Jacobson's organ]] (vomeronasal organ) that is located in the roof of the mouth, caudal to the rostral scales and within the margins of the upper arcade.  The tongues brings odoriferous particles to [[Jacobsons organ|Jacobson's organ]], which is innervated by the vomeronasal branch of the olfactory nerve.  Receptors may also detect the presence of water.  A chemosensory system analogous to taste exists in reptiles where taste buds and sensory papillae are spread throughout the oral mucosa.  They are innervated primarily by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).

The chemosensory system in reptiles is mediated by sensory cells in the nasal cavity and by the Jacobson's organ (vomeronasal organ) that is located in the roof of the mouth, caudal to the rostral scales and within the margins of the upper arcade.  The tongue brings odoriferous particles to the Jacobson's organ, which is innervated by the vomeronasal branch of the olfactory nerve.  Receptors may also detect the presence of water.  A chemosensory system analogous to taste exists in reptiles where taste buds and sensory papillae are spread throughout the oral mucosa.  They are innervated primarily by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).

 

==Heat-sensitive receptors==

==Heat-sensitive receptors==

Specialised infrared receptors, the heat-sensitive receptors or pit organs, occur in the labial pits of [[Boidae|boids]] and [[Pythoninae|pythons]], and the heat pits of [[Pit viper|pit vipers]].   

Specialised infrared receptors, the heat-sensitive receptors or pit organs, occur in the labial pits of [[Boidae|boids]] and [[Pythoninae|pythons]], and the heat pits of [[Pit viper|pit vipers]].   

*Most [[Boidae|boids]] have receptors in pits along the upper labial scales.  The morphology of the receptors varies among species.  These pits are smaller and simpler than those of the [[Pit viper|pit vipers]] and are innervated by the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve.

*Most [[Boidae|boids]] have receptors in pits along the upper labial scales.  The morphology of the receptors varies among species.  These pits are smaller and simpler than those of the [[Pit viper|pit vipers]] and are innervated by the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches of the trigeminal nerve.

==Snake Ear==

==Snake Ear==

Snakes have no external evidence of an ear.  There is no tympanic membrane or middle ear cavity.  The columella, an ossicle, extends from the inner ear to the quadrate bone and may detect vibrations from the ground through the jaw.  Snakes may be able to detect airborne low frequency sound (150 to 600 Hz).

Snakes have no external evidence of an ear.  There is no tympanic membrane or middle ear cavity.  The columella, an ossicle, extends from the inner ear to the quadrate bone and may detect vibrations from the ground through the jaw.  Snakes may be able to detect airborne low frequency sound (150 to 600Hz).

*Find out more information on [[Snake Physical Examination|snake physical examinations]].

 

* '''For more information on examining a snake, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

==References==

==References==

Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 50. ISBN 072169327X  

Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 50. ISBN 072169327X  

[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]

[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]