Chelonia Flashcards
Chelonia Skeletal
What is the carapace comprised of?
The upper shell that is a fusion of live dermal bone covered by keratinised epidermis, ribs, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
Plates are inner bony layers.
Scutes are the outer horny layer made of keratinised scales.
Chelonia Skeletal
Explain 3 attributes of the skull.
Head is small to allow extraction.
Sturdy skull and rigid upper and lower jaws.
Possess a horny beak which is edges with keratin.
Chelonia Respiratory System
Explain 6 attributes of the respiratory system.
Paired nostrils.
Trachea protected by glottis at rest.
Trachea has complete cartilaginous rings.
Two lungs which are spongy and occupy a large volume of the body cavity.
Strong trunk muscles expand and contract the lungs.
Have no diaphragm.
Chelonia Respiratory System
What happens during inspiration?
An increase in lung volume causes a decrease in lung air pressure and as a result the air is sucked in.
Chelonia Respiratory System
What happens during expiration?
Limbs are retracted into the shell, causing an increase in soft tissue and pressure within the coelomic cavity which forces air out of the lungs.
Chelonia Digestive System
Explain 7 attributes.
Horny beak with no teeth.
Tongue is fleshy and tightly attached.
Salivary glands contain mucous enzymes - no digestive enzymes.
Stomach is spindle shaped and simple.
Herbivores with wide LI for microbial digestion.
Caecum present.
Passage of food is slow to allow maximum absorption.
Chelonia Reproductive
Explain attributes of the male reproductive system.
One penis.
Lies in the ventricle aspect of the cloaca at rest.
When engorged it is projected through the vent and curves cranially.
Males can have a concave plastron for mounting during mating.
Chelonia Reproductive
Explain attributes of the female reproductive system.
Fertile eggs can be carried for 4 weeks to 4 years.
Sperm can be stored for long periods.
How do Chelonians thermoregulate?
They are ectothermic, therefore relying on their environment to maintain body temperature.
They brumate, going into a state of bare minimum metabolism to maintain heat.
What are the common blood sampling sites in chelonians?
Jugular vein
Dorsal coccygeal vein
Brachial vein
Femoral vein
What is the most common intramuscular injection site in chelonians?
Upper arm (deltoids or triceps)
Forearm (biceps)
What is the subcutaneous injection site in chelonians?
Axillary and inguinal space
What is a chelonians dietary requirements?
Herbivores.
Fed ad-lib.
Diet should include: fibre, vitamins, minerals, and should be low in fats and proteins.
If carnivores - supplement food with vitamin A and calcium.
Fresh water - deep enough to place nose and mouth into to create suction to drink as no hard palate.
What are the most common intraosseous injection sites for chelonians?
Jugular
Gular plastron
What leafy greens/vegetables can chelonians eat?
Kale, Celery, grated carrot, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli.
Can give small amounts of fruit occasionally: tomato, apple, strawberry.
