Chelonians

What is the primary function of the heavily keratinized epidermis in chelonians?

Prevents water loss and provides protection

What are gastropeges in chelonians?

Single ventral scales important for locomotion

What is ecdysis in chelonians?

The shedding of skin

How many bony plates form the chelonian carapace?

49

How many bony plates form the chelonian plastron?

9

What is the plastrocarapacial bridge in chelonians?

The connection between carapace and plastron

What is the function of scutes in chelonians?

Provide protection and reduce water loss

What is the vomeronasal organ in chelonians?

An olfactory organ in the rostral maxilla

How many dental arcades do chelonians have?

None, they have a keratinized beak

What replaces teeth in chelonians?

A keratinized rhamphotheca

How many cervical vertebrae do chelonians have?

8

How many trunk vertebrae do chelonians have?

10

What is unique about chelonian trunk vertebrae?

They are ankylosed and fused with dermal bone plates

Do chelonians have a sternum?

No

How many chambers does a chelonian heart have?

Three (two atria, one ventricle)

Where is the heart typically located in chelonians?

In the cranial third of the coelom

What is the preferred site for venipuncture in chelonians?

The external jugular vein

How do chelonians ventilate their lungs?

Using paired antagonistic abdominal muscles

What replaces alveoli in chelonian lungs?

Faveoli

What is the function of the chelonian cloaca?

It serves as the common opening for digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts

How can gender be determined in chelonians?

Through sexual dimorphism, ultrasonography, or endoscopy

Where are the testes located in male chelonians?

Cranial to the kidneys

What is unique about female chelonian ovaries?

They may be asymmetrical, with the left ovary sometimes reduced or absent

Where are the kidneys located in chelonians?

In the caudodorsal coelom, adherent to the inner carapace

Do chelonians have a urinary bladder?

Yes, largest in terrestrial species

What is the function of the chelonian shell?

Protection and homeostasis

How many scutes typically cover the chelonian carapace?

38

How many scutes typically cover the chelonian plastron?

16

What is the function of the parietal eye in some chelonians?

A light-sensitive organ on the top of the head

How do chelonians detect airborne vibrations without an external ear?

Through the tympanic membrane and columella

What is the function of the chelonian liver?

Produces bile and stores glycogen

Where is the pancreas located in chelonians?

Near the pylorus, emptying into it via a short duct

What is unique about the crocodilian heart?

It has four chambers and a left aortic arch opening from the right ventricle

What is the foramen of Panizza in crocodilians?

A connection between left and right aortas

What is the function of the epiglottal flap in crocodilians?

Seals off the oral cavity, allowing breathing while partially submerged