The External, Musculoskeletal and Neuro-Anatomy of Sea Turtles
43
2.2.2 A XIAL B ODY : S HELL , H EAD , N ECK , AND T AIL
Dermochelyids are characterized by a leathery shell composed of skin overlying
a mosaic of thin bony plates (Figure 2.4A). Deep to the bony plates is a blubber
layer of dense fibrous connective tissue and fat (Deraniyagala, 1939). There are
well-developed longitudinal keels running the length of the carapace, and in adults
the ridges and margins of the carapace are adorned with rows of knobs. The
FIGURE 2.2 Carapacial scutes of the same type (in this case, laterals) are numbered from
anterior to posterior. (Adapted from Wyneken, J. The Anatomy of Sea Turtles , U.S. Department
of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-470, 2001. With permission.)
FIGURE 2.3 Scutes of the carapace (A) and the plastron (B) are identified by type and
position. (Adapted from Wyneken, J. The Anatomy of Sea Turtles , U.S. Department of Commerce NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-470, 2001. With permission.)
1123_C02.fm Page 43 Friday, November 15, 2002 11:16 AM
43
2.2.2 A XIAL B ODY : S HELL , H EAD , N ECK , AND T AIL
Dermochelyids are characterized by a leathery shell composed of skin overlying
a mosaic of thin bony plates (Figure 2.4A). Deep to the bony plates is a blubber
layer of dense fibrous connective tissue and fat (Deraniyagala, 1939). There are
well-developed longitudinal keels running the length of the carapace, and in adults
the ridges and margins of the carapace are adorned with rows of knobs. The
FIGURE 2.2 Carapacial scutes of the same type (in this case, laterals) are numbered from
anterior to posterior. (Adapted from Wyneken, J. The Anatomy of Sea Turtles , U.S. Department
of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-470, 2001. With permission.)
FIGURE 2.3 Scutes of the carapace (A) and the plastron (B) are identified by type and
position. (Adapted from Wyneken, J. The Anatomy of Sea Turtles , U.S. Department of Commerce NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-470, 2001. With permission.)
1123_C02.fm Page 43 Friday, November 15, 2002 11:16 AM