Anatomy

Abdel Kader, I.Y., A.W.A. El ghareeb, and A.F. Mahgoub (2005). The cranial nerves of the snake Natrix tessellata (Ophidia, Colubridae). The nervi glossopharyngeus, vagus, accessorius and hypoglossus. Egyptian Journal of Zoology 45: 543-573. ISSN: 1110-6344.
Descriptors: reptiles, snake, Natrix tessellata, cranial nerves, nervi glossopharyngeus, vagus, hypoglossus, accessorius, anatomy.
Language of Text: Arabic; English.

Abdel Kader, I.Y. (2006). The cranial nerves of the cat snake Telescopus dhara (Colubridae, Ophidia): I. The eye muscle nerves and the ciliary ganglion. Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology 50(B): 1-16. ISSN: 1110-5356.
NAL Call Number: QL1.E49
Descriptors: reptiles, cat snake, Telescopus dhara, cranial nerves, ciliary ganglion, anatomy, eye muscle nerves.
Language of Text: Arabic; English.

Abhinav and U.C. Srivastava (2006). Neuroanatomy of cerebral cortex of an indian lizard, Mabouia carinata. Journal of Applied Bioscience 32(2): 160-163. ISSN: 0379-8097.
NAL Call Number: QH301.B59
Descriptors: reptiles, cerebral cortex, indian lizard, neuroanatomy, Mabouia carinata, pallium, subpallium.

Aranha, I., M. Bhagya, H.N. Yajurvedi, and B.K. Sagar (2004). Light microscopical and ultrastructural studies on the vas deferens of the lizard Mabuya carinata. Journal of Submicroscopic Cytology and Pathology 36(3-4): 247-256. ISSN: 1122-9497.
Abstract: Adult male lizards (Mabuya carinata) were studied during breeding and non breeding seasons to determine the regional and seasonal differences if any in the vas deferens and to compare ultrastructural features of luminal epithelial cells with those of endotherms. The vas deferens of the lizard is a convoluted tube extending from the epididymis to the hemipenis passing over the kidney. Based on morphometric data of luminal diameter and epithelial cell height three distinct regions viz; proximal, middle and distal regions were identified in the vas deferens. The epithelium is surrounded by a thin layer of lamina propria, many layers of circular smooth muscle fibers and an outer layer of visceral pleuro peritoneum. Based on cell and nuclear morphology and ultrastructure, five different cell types viz; principal cell, basal cell, mitochondria rich cell, halo cell and narrow cell were identified in the epithelium during both breeding and non breeding season. Principal cells and basal cells were more abundant in both seasons. The types of luminal epithelial cells of vas deferens of M. carinata and their ultrastructural features are similar to those of mammals. Further, vas deferens of M. carinata differs from mammals in having only circular smooth muscles in contrast to circular and longitudinal muscles of mammalian vas deferens. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report describing cell types of vas deferens, their ultrastructure and ultrastructural seasonal variations in reptiles.
Descriptors: reptiles, lizards, anatomy, histology, vas deferens, ultrastructure, epididymis anatomy, epithelial cells ultrastructure, muscle, smooth, ultrastructure.

Arencibia, A., M. Rivero, I.d. Miguel, S. Contreras, A. Cabrero, and J. Oros (2006). Computed tomographic anatomy of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Research in Veterinary Science. 81(2): 165-169. ISSN: 0034-5288.
Abstract: The heads of three loggerhead sea turtles were disarticulated and imaged immediately to minimize postmortem changes and then frozen and sectioned. For computed tomography (CT) imaging, the heads were positioned in ventral recumbency. Transverse CT images with soft-tissue window were obtained from the olfactory sac region to the temporomandibular joint region. After CT imaging, the heads were sectioned and the gross sections were compared to CT images, to assist in the accurate identification of the anatomic structures. Different clinically relevant anatomic structures were identified and labelled in two series of photographs (CT images and anatomic cross-sections). CT images provided good differentiation between the bones and the soft tissues of the head. The information presented in this paper should serve as an initial reference to evaluate CT images of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle and to assist in the interpretation of lesions of this region.
Descriptors: reptiles, Caretta caretta, head, computed-tomography, animal morphology, loggerhead sea turtle, head anatomy.

Bahiani, M., T. Gernigon Spychalowicz, and J.M. Exbrayat (2005). Structure and ultrastructure of the sexual segment of the kidney in the diurnal Saharan lizard Uromastix acanthinurus, Bell 1825. Russian Journal of Herpetology 12(Suppl.): 249-251. ISSN: 1026-2296.
Descriptors: reptiles, diurnal lizard, Uromastix acanthinurus, kidney, structure, ultrastructure, Sahara, Algeria.

Bennis, M., J. Reperant, R. Ward, J.P. Rio, S.B.A. M'hamed, and B. Jay (2006). The postnatal development of the optic nerve of a reptile (Vipera aspis): a quantitative ultrastructural study. Anatomy and Embryology 211(6): 691-705. ISSN: 0340-2061.
Descriptors: reptiles, Vipera aspis, birds, mammals, optic nerve, postnatal development, axons, ultrastructural study, electron micrographs.

Carvalho, R.C., A.L. Sousa, C.E.B. Moura, T.N. Faria, W.P. Costa, H.R.A. Resende, H.M. Pereira, and A.N.B. Mariana (2003). Morfologia do penis do jabuti de patas vermelhas (Geochelone carbonaria Spix, 1824). [Morphology of the penis of the red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria Spix, 1824)]. Revista Brasileira De Reproducao Animal 27(2): 229-230. ISSN: 0102-0803.
NAL Call Number: QP251.R48
Descriptors: reptiles, Geochelone carbonaria, anatomy, penis, reproduction, red footed tortoise, morphology, conference information.
Language of Text: Portuguese; Summary in English.
Notes: Meeting Information: XV Congresso Brasileiro de Repoducao Animal, Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil, 11-15 August 2003.

Dakrory, A.I. (2005). The innervation of the olfactory apparatus of the blind snake Leptotyphlops cairi (Dumeril and Bibron, 1844). Egyptian Journal of Zoology 45: 201-214. ISSN: 1110-6344.
Descriptors: reptiles, blind snake, Leptotyphlops cairi, innervation, olfactory apparatus, jacobson's organ.
Language of Text: Arabic; English.

Dakrory, A.I. and T.G. Abdel Kader (2006). The cranial nerves of the blind snake Leptotyphlops cairi: the nervi glossopharyngeus, vagus, accessorius and hypoglossus. Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology 49(B): 63-86. ISSN: 1110-533X.
NAL Call Number: QL1.E49
Descriptors: reptiles, blind snake, Leptotyphlops cairi, cranial nerves, anatomy, accessorius, glossopharyngeus, hypoglossus, vagus, nerves.
Language of Text: Arabic; English.

Delgado, S., T. Davit Beal, F. Allizard, and J.Y. Sire (2005). Tooth development in a scincid lizard, Chalcides viridanus (Squamata), with particular attention to enamel formation. Cell and Tissue Research 319(1): 71-89. ISSN: 0302-766X.
Abstract: Comparative analysis of tooth development in the main vertebrate lineages is needed to determine the various evolutionary routes leading to current dentition in living vertebrates. We have used light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy to study tooth morphology and the main stages of tooth development in the scincid lizard, Chalcides viridanus, viz., from late embryos to 6-year-old specimens of a laboratory-bred colony, and from early initiation stages to complete differentiation and attachment, including resorption and enamel formation. In C. viridanus, all teeth of a jaw have a similar morphology but tooth shape, size and orientation change during ontogeny, with a constant number of tooth positions. Tooth morphology changes from a simple smooth cone in the late embryo to the typical adult aspect of two cusps and several ridges via successive tooth replacement at every position. First-generation teeth are initiated by interaction between the oral epithelium and subjacent mesenchyme. The dental lamina of these teeth directly branches from the basal layer of the oral epithelium. On replacement-tooth initiation, the dental lamina spreads from the enamel organ of the previous tooth. The epithelial cell population, at the dental lamina extremity and near the bone support surface, proliferates and differentiates into the enamel organ, the inner (IDE) and outer dental epithelium being separated by stellate reticulum. IDE differentiates into ameloblasts, which produce enamel matrix components. In the region facing differentiating IDE, mesenchymal cells differentiate into dental papilla and give rise to odontoblasts, which first deposit a layer of predentin matrix. The first elements of the enamel matrix are then synthesised by ameloblasts. Matrix mineralisation starts in the upper region of the tooth (dentin then enamel). Enamel maturation begins once the enamel matrix layer is complete. Concomitantly, dental matrices are deposited towards the base of the dentin cone. Maturation of the enamel matrix progresses from top to base; dentin mineralisation proceeds centripetally from the dentin-enamel junction towards the pulp cavity. Tooth attachment is pleurodont and tooth replacement occurs from the lingual side from which the dentin cone of the functional teeth is resorbed. Resorption starts from a deeper region in adults than in juveniles. Our results lead us to conclude that tooth morphogenesis and differentiation in this lizard are similar to those described for mammalian teeth. However, Tomes' processes and enamel prisms are absent.
Descriptors: lizards, growth, development, bone resorption, dental enamel, embryology, dental enamel growth, development, dental enamel ultrastructure, anatomy, histology, embryology, odontogenesis, tooth embryology, tooth growth, development, ultrastructure.

El Ghareeb, A.W.A., I.Y. Abdel Kader, and A.F. Mahgoub (2004). The cranial nerves of the snake Natrix tessellata (Ophidia, Colubridae): the eye muscle nerves and the ciliary ganglion. Journal of Union of Arab Biologists Cairo A Zoology 22: 305-330. ISSN: 1110-5372.
Descriptors: reptiles, Natrix tessellata, snake, cranial nerves, eye muscle nerves, cilliary ganglion.
Language of Text: Arabic; English.

Endo, H., R. Aoki, H. Taru, J. Kimura, M. Sasaki, M. Yamamoto, K. Arishima, and Y. Hayashi (2002). Comparative functional morphology of the masticatory apparatus in the long-snouted crocodiles. Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia 31(4): 206-213. ISSN: print: 0340-2096; online: 1439-0264.
Abstract: The masticatory muscles and their related structures of the skull were observed in the Indian gavial (Gavialis gangeticus), the false gavial (Tomistoma schlegelii), and the African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) to detail some morphological differences in comparison with the other crocodile species, and to compare and elucidate the functional strategy of themasticatory apparatus in these long-snouted species. The Musculus pterygoideus posterior was relatively smaller in the three species compared with many short-snouted crocodiles. It suggests that the masticatory power in fish-eating long-snouted species is not so high as in the short-snouted crocodiles, while the masticatory muscles were morphologically different among the three long-snouted species as follows. The M. pterygoideus posterior of the false gavial was extended in the lateral side of the lower jaw unlike the Indian gavial. The M. pseudotemporalis and the Fenestra supratemporalis were largely developed in the Indian gavial, however we suggest that the other two species possess the weak bundles in this muscle. The false gavial and the African slender-snouted crocodile have the pterygoid bone well-developed extending dorso-ventrally and it is suggested that the M. adductor mandibulae posterior attached to the pterygoid bone may be much larger than the Indian gavial. These data morphologically clarify the masticatory mechanism in the long-snouted crocodiles different from the short-snouted species, and demonstrate that the evolutional strategy to share the functional role in the masticatory muscles have been differently established between the Indian gavial and the other two species. We also obtained the morphological data in the fossil skull of the Machikane crocodile (Toyotamaphymeia machikanense) and concluded from the fossil characters that the considerable developments of the M.pterygoideus posterior and the M.pseudotemporalis in this species had not morphologically been consistent with both the Indian and false gavials.
Descriptors: reptiles, long snouted crocodiles, masticatory apparatus, functional morphology, comparative, Indian gavial, false gaval, slender snouted crocodile, masticatory muscles.

Gal, J., M. Marosan, and D. Winkler (2004). A hullok kivalaszto keszulekenek anatomiaja, elettana es fontosabb megbetegedesei. [Anatomy, physiology and major diseases of the reptile excretory apparatus]. KisallatPraxis 5(1): 22, 24-26. ISSN: 1585-9142.
NAL Call Number: SF981.K573
Descriptors: reptiles, anatomy, physiology, diseases, excetory apparatus, kidneys, intestines.
Language of Text: Hungarian; Summary in English.

Gal, J., A. Antal, E. Sos, and M. Marosan (2003). A keteltuek es a hullok legzokeszulekenek anatomiaja, elettana es fontosabb betegsegei. Irodalmi attekintes. [Anatomy, physiology and important diseases of the respiratory apparatus of amphibians and reptiles. Literature review.]. Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja 125(3): 165-171. ISSN: 0025-004X.
Descriptors: amphibians, reptiles, anatomy, physiology, important diseases, respiratory apparatus, literature review.
Language of Text: Hungarian.

Gribbins, K.M., C.S. Happ, and D.M. Sever (2005). Ultrastructure of the reproductive system of the black swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea). V. The temporal germ cell development strategy of the testis. Acta Zoologica Copenhagen 86(4): 223-230. ISSN: 0001-7272.
Descriptors: reptiles, Seminatrix pygaea, black swamp snake, reproductive system, ultrastructure, temporal germ cell development, testis.

Guerrero, S.M., M.L. Calderon, G.R. de Perez, and M.P.R. Pinilla (2004). Morphology of the male reproductive duct system of Caiman crocodilus (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae). Annals of Anatomy 186(3): 235-245. ISSN: 0940-9602.
Descriptors: reptiles, crocodile, alligator, Caiman crocodilus, male, reproductive duct system, morphology.

Herrel, A., M. Canbek, U. Ozelmas, M. Uyanoglu, and M. Karakaya (2005). Comparative functional analysis of the hyolingual anatomy in lacertid lizards. Anatomical Record. Part A, Discoveries in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology 284(2): 561-573. ISSN: print: 1552-4884; online: 1552-4892.
NAL Call Number: QL801.A53
Abstract: The tongue is often considered a key innovation in the evolution of a terrestrial lifestyle as it allows animals to transport food items through the oral cavity in air, a medium with low density and viscosity. The tongue has been secondarily coopted for a wide diversity of functions, including prey capture, drinking, breathing, and defensive behaviors. Within basal lizard groups, the tongue is used primarily for the purpose of prey capture and transport. In more derived groups, however, the tongue appears specialized for chemoreceptive purposes. Here we examine the tongue structure and morphology in lacertid lizards, a group of lizards where the tongue is critical to both food transport and chemoreception. Because of the different mechanical demands imposed by these different functions, regional morphological specializations of the tongue are expected. All species of lacertid lizards examined here have relatively light tongue muscles, but a well developed hyobranchial musculature that may assist during food transport. The intrinsic musculature, including verticalis, transversalis, and longitudinalis groups, is well developed and may cause the tongue elongation and retraction observed during chemoreception and drinking. The papillary morphology is complex and shows clear differences between the tongue tips and anterior fore-tongue, and the more posterior parts of the tongue. Our data show a subdivision between the fore- and hind-tongue in both papillary structure and muscular anatomy likely allowing these animals to use their tongues effectively during both chemoreception and prey transport. Moreover, our data suggest the importance of hyobranchium movements during prey transport in lacertid lizards.
Descriptors: lizards, hyoid bone anatomy, histology, lizards anatomy, histology, muscles anatomy, histology, tongue anatomy, histology, physiology.

Hidalgo Sanchez, M., J. Francisco Morcillo, J. Navascues, and G. Martin Partido (2007). Early development of the optic nerve in the turtle Mauremys leprosa. Brain Research 1137(1): 35-49. ISSN: 0006-8993.
Descriptors: reptiles, turtle, Mauremys leprosa, optic nerve, early development, electron microscopy, optic axons, growth cones, glial cells.

Hong, M.L., L.R. Fu, H.T. Shi, Y.J. Guo, and X.Y. Zeng (2004). Anatomy of digestive and respiratory systems in the four eye-spotted turtle. Chinese Journal of Zoology 39(1): 68-71. ISSN: 0250-3263.
Descriptors: reptiles, four eye spotted turtle, digestive system, respiratory system, anatomy.
Language of Text: Chinese; Summary in Chinese and English.

Kik, M.J.L. and M.A. Mitchell (2005). Reptile cardiology: a review of anatomy and physiology, diagnostic approaches, and clinical disease. Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine 14(1): 52-60. ISSN: 1055-937X.
NAL Call Number: SF994.2.A1S36
Descriptors: reptiles, cardiology, review, anatomy, physiology, diagnostic approaches, clinical disease.

Mahler, D.L. and M. Kearney (2006). The palatal dentition in squamate reptiles: morphology, development, attachment, and replacement. Fieldiana Zoology 108: 1-61. ISSN: 0015-0754.
Descriptors: squamate reptiles, palatal dentition, morphology, development, attachment, replacement, tooth arrangement.

Martin, J., N. Kogo, T.X. Fan, and M. Ariel (2003). Morphology of the turtle accessory optic system. Visual Neuroscience 20(6): 639-649. ISSN: 0952-5238.
Online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0952523803206064
Descriptors: reptiles, turtle, accessory optic system, morphology, eyes.

Martinez Marcos, A., I. Ubeda Banon, E. Lanuza, and M. Halpern (2005). Chemoarchitecture and afferent connections of the "olfactostriatum": a specialized vomeronasal structure within the basal ganglia of snakes. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy 29(1): 49-69. ISSN: 0891-0618.
Abstract: The olfactostriatum, a portion of the striatal complex of snakes, is the major tertiary vomeronasal structure in the ophidian brain, receiving substantial afferents from the nucleus sphericus, the primary target of accessory olfactory bulb efferents. In the present study, we have characterized the olfactostriatum of garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) on the basis of chemoarchitecture (distribution of serotonin, neuropeptide Y and tyrosine hydroxylase) and hodology (afferent connections). The olfactostriatum is densely immunoreactive for serotonin and neuropeptide Y and shows moderate-to-weak immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition to afferents from the nucleus sphericus, the olfactostriatum receives inputs from the dorsal and lateral cortices, nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract, external and dorsolateral amygdalae, dorsomedial thalamic nucleus, ventral tegmental area and raphe nuclei. Double labeling experiments demonstrated that the distribution of serotonin and neuropeptide Y in this area almost completely overlaps the terminal field of projections from the nucleus sphericus. Also, serotonergic and dopaminergic innervation of the olfactostriatum likely arise, respectively, from the raphe nuclei and the ventral tegmental area, whereas local circuit neurons originate the neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity. These results indicate that the olfactostriatum of snakes could be a portion of the nucleus accumbens, with features characteristic of the accumbens shell, devoted to processing vomeronasal information. Comparative data suggest that a similar structure is present in the ventral striatum of amphibians and mammals.
Descriptors: reptiles, garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, olfactostriatum, chemoarchitecture, afferent connections, vermeronasalstructure, ganglia.

Mathger, L.M., L. Litherland, and K.A. Fritsches (2007). An anatomical study of the visual capabilities of the green turtle, Chelonia mydas. Copeia(1): 169-179. ISSN: 0045-8511.
Descriptors: reptiles, green turtle, Chelonia mydas, visual capabilities, anatomical study, retinal anatomy, electron microscopy, ocular media.

Mohammed, M.B.H., F.I. El Sayad, A.M. Abo El Naga, and Y.A. Fouda (2006). Structure and function of the tongue in some scincid lizards. Journal of the Egyptian German Society of Zoology 50(B): 47-66. ISSN: 1110-5356.
NAL Call Number: QL1.E49
Descriptors: reptiles, scincid lizards, Chalcides ocellatus, Eumeces schneiderii, Sphenops sepsoides, Scincus scincus, Mabuya vittata, tongue, structure, function.
Language of Text: Arabic; English.

Putterill, J.F. and J.T. Soley (2004). General morphology of the oral cavity of the Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus (Laurenti, 1768). II. The tongue. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 71(4): 263-277. ISSN: 0030-2465.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 On1
Abstract: The heads of nine 2.5 to 3-year-old Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) were obtained from a commercial farm where crocodiles are raised for their skins and meat. The animals from which these specimens were obtained appeared clinically healthy at the time they were slaughtered. A description of the macroscopic and microscopic features of the tongue of the Nile crocodile is presented and the results are compared with published information on this species and other Crocodylia. The histological features are supplemented by information supplied by scanning electron microscopy. Macroscopic features of interest were the dome shaped structures grouped in a triangular formation on the posterior two-thirds of the dorsum of the tongue. These structures were identified by light microscopy to contain well-developed branched, coiled tubular glands and associated lymphoid tissue. Other histological features included a lightly keratinised stratified squamous surface epithelium supported by a thick layer of irregular dense fibrous connective tissue. Deep to this region was a clearly demarcated adipose tissue core with a dense mass of striated lingual musculature. Localised thickenings were present in the epithelium which were associated with ellipsoid intra-epithelial structures resembling taste buds.
Descriptors: reptiles, Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus, oral cavity, anatomy, genral morphology, tongue, histological features, macroscopic, microscopic.

Putterill, J.F. and J.T. Soley (2003). General morphology of the oral cavity of the Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus (Laurenti, 1768). I. Palate and gingivae. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 70(4): 281-297. ISSN: 0030-2465.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 On1
Abstract: The heads of nine 2.5 to 3-year-old Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) were obtained from a commercial farm where crocodiles are raised for their skins and meat. The animals from which these specimens originated were clinically healthy at the time they were slaughtered. A detailed description of the macroscopic and microscopic features of the palate and gingivae of the Nile crocodile is presented and the results are compared with published information on this species and other Crocodylia. The histological features are supplemented by information supplied by scanning electron microscopy. Macroscopic features of interest are the small conical process situated at the base of the first two incisors of the maxilla, the distribution of cobbled units on the palate, and the broad dentary shelf forming the rostral aspect of the mandible. Histologically the palate and gingivae did not differ significantly from each other and both regions showed a presence of Pacinian-type corpuscles. Two types of sensory structures (taste receptors and pressure receptors) were identified in the regions examined, both involving modification of the epithelium and the underlying connective tissue.
Descriptors: reptiles, Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus, oral cavity, general morphology, palate, gingivae, features, macroscopic, microscopic.

Su, Z.h., X.w. Chen, and Q.s. Chen (2006). Ultrastructure of mucosal epithelium in intestine of soft-shelled turtle, Trionyx sinensis. Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 26(1): 82-85 Sum No 121. ISSN: 1005-4545.
NAL Call Number: SF604.C58
Descriptors: reptiles, soft shelled turtle, Trionyx sinensis, mucosal epithelium, ultrastructure, intestine.
Language of Text: Chinese; Summary in Chinese and English.

Suzuki, D., G. Murakami, and N. Minoura (2002). Histology of the bone-tendon interfaces of limb muscles in lizards. Annals of Anatomy; Anatomischer Anzeiger Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft 184(4): 363-377. ISSN: 0940-9602.
Abstract: Lizards exhibit continual bone growth at the epiphysis, and their limb muscles are distributed differently from those of mammals because of differences in weight bearing. We therefore characterized the bone-tendon (B-T) interface (also termed the enthesis) in lizards. Using the forelimbs of five monitor lizards and three iguanas, we performed histological investigations on 57 B-T interfaces. Most reptilian tendons were very short and were often composed of wavy fiber bundles. Fibrocartilage (FC)-mediated direct insertion was observed at all epiphyses, whereas periosteum-mediated indirect insertions, including fleshy attachments, were often located on the flat surfaces of the pectoral girdles and at the diaphyses of the limb bones. The reptilian B-T interface was characterized by variability in the morphology of the FC-mediated insertions, especially by morphologies intermediate between those of FC- and periosteum-mediated interfaces; i.e., 1) various degrees of absence of the clear FC zonation seen in mammals, including the tidemark; 2) involvement of the periosteum in the FC; 3) the presence of various types of FC cells in the tendon near the interface, to reinforce the tendon against compression or shear stress; and 4) both FC and hyaline cartilage (lateral articular cartilage) receiving the tendon at the epiphysis. Overall, variations in the connective tissue, especially the FC tissue, were very evident in the reptilian B-T interface. The specific structures of the interfaces probably represent adaptations to the continuous growth and loose joint structures of lizards.
Descriptors: reptiles, lizards, iguanas, continual bone growth, limb muscles, bone-tendon, weight bearing, fleshy attachments, histology.

Torres Carvajal, O. (2004). The abdominal skeleton of Tropidurid lizards (Squamata: Tropiduridae). Herpetologica 60(1): 75-83. ISSN: 0018-0831.
NAL Call Number: QL640.H4
Descriptors: reptiles, Tropidurid lizards, abdominal skeleton, Squamata, ribs, attachment.

Uriona, T.J., C.G. Farmer, J. Dazely, F. Clayton, and J. Moore (2005). Structure and function of the esophagus of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Journal of Experimental Biology 208(16): 3047-3053. ISSN: 0022-0949.
Online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.01746
NAL Call Number: 442.8 B77
Descriptors: reptiles, American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, esophagus, structure, function.

Valente, A.L., R. Cuenca, M.A. Zamora, M.L. Parga, S. Lavin, F. Alegre, and I. Marco (2006). Sectional anatomic and magnetic resonance imaging features of coelomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles. American Journal of Veterinary Research 67(8): 1347-1353. ISSN: 0002-9645.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 Am3A
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare cross-sectional anatomic specimens with images obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the coelomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). ANIMALS: 5 clinically normal live turtles and 5 dead turtles. PROCEDURES: MRI was used to produce T1- and T2- weighted images of the turtles, which were compared with gross anatomic sections of 3 of the 5 dead turtles. The other 2 dead turtles received injection with latex and were dissected to provide additional cardiovascular anatomic data. RESULTS: The general view on the 3 oriented planes provided good understanding of cross-sectional anatomic features. Likewise, major anatomic structures such as the esophagus, stomach, lungs, intestine (duodenum and colon), liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, heart, bronchi, and vessels could be clearly imaged. It was not possible to recognize the ureters or reproductive tract. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By providing reference information for clinical use, MRI may be valuable for detailed assessment of the internal anatomic structures of loggerhead sea turtles. Drawbacks exist in association with anesthesia and the cost and availability of MRI, but the technique does provide excellent images of most internal organs. Information concerning structures such as the pancreas, ureters, intestinal segments (jejunum and ileum), and the reproductive tract is limited because of inconsistent visualization.
Descriptors: loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, abdomen anatomy, histology, magnetic resonance imaging, turtles anatomy, histology, MRI.

Wassif, E.T. (2002). Ultrastructure of the lingual epithelium of adult scincine lizard Chalcides ocellatus. Egyptian Journal of Biology 4: 76-86. ISSN: 1110-6859.
Online: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/%7Eplzfg/EBBSoc/ejb4/Wassif_2002.pdf
Descriptors: adult scincine reptiles, lizard, Chalcides ocellatus, lingual epithelium, adult, ultrastructure.

Wyneken, J. and D. Mader (2004). Clinical applications: Reptile skeletal system. In: Small Animal and Exotics. Book two: Pain Management- Zoonosis. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Volume 18,January 17, 2004-January 21, 2004, Orlando, Florida, Eastern States Veterinary Association: Gainesville, FL, p. 1358-1360.
NAL Call Number: SF605.N672
Descriptors: reptiles, anatomy, skeletal system, bone fractures, cartilage, fracture fixation, ligaments, musculoskeletal system, surgery.

Wyneken, J. and D. Witherington (2003). Snake anatomy. Exotic DVM 5(5): 26-32. ISSN: 1521-1363.
NAL Call Number: SF981.E96
Descriptors: reptiles, snake, Constrictor constrictor, Elaphe obsoleta, anatomy, arteries, musculoskeletal system, veins.

Zhang, Y.p., X.p. Ying, and X. Ji (2005). Ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of the northern grass lizard (Takydromus septentrionalis) with comments on the variability of sperm morphology among lizard taxa. Zoological Research 26(5): 518-526. ISSN: 0254-5853.
Online: http://www.bioline.org.br/abstract?id=zr05047&lang=en
NAL Call Number: QL1.T85
Descriptors: reptiles, northern grass lizard, Takydromus septentrionalis, spermatozoon, ultrastructure, sperm mprphology, variability, comments.
Language of Text: Chinese; Summary in Chinese and English.

Zhu, D. and J. Keifer (2005). Distribution of facial motor neurons in the pond turtle Pseudemys scripta elegans. Neuroscience Letters 373(2): 134-137. ISSN: 0304-3940.
Abstract: A tract tracing study was performed to examine the localization of the facial nucleus in the brain stem of the pond turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans. Neurobiotin and the fluorescent tracers alexa fluor 488 and 594 were used to retrogradely label neurons of the abducens or facial nerves. The results showed that the facial nucleus has two subnuclei, a medial group and a lateral group. Measurements of cell size revealed no significant differences between these populations. Double labeling studies showed that the medial cell group of the facial nucleus lies between the principal and accessory abducens nuclei in the pons, whereas the lateral group lies adjacent to the accessory abducens nucleus. The facial nucleus of pond turtles largely overlaps the rostrocaudal extent of the accessory abducens nucleus, but extends well beyond it into the medulla. These data elucidate the position and distribution of the facial nucleus in the brain stem of pond turtles and contribute to the body of comparative neuroanatomical literature on the distribution of the cranial nerve nuclei of reptiles.
Descriptors: pond turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans, facial nerve, cytology, motor neurons, neural pathways, turtles anatomy, histology.

Ziegler, T. and S. Olbort (2004). Genitalstrukturen und Geschlechtsunterscheidung bei Krokodilen. [Genitalia structures and sex differentiation in crocodiles.]. Draco 5(4): 39-47 Nr 20. ISSN: 1439-8168.
Descriptors: reptiles, crocodiles, sex differentiation, genitalia structures, genital differences.
Language of Text: German.