Understanding the Chelonian Shell

Date: May 7, 2013, updated October 31, 2023

By: Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Keywords: , , , , ,

Categories: Reptiles & Amphibians,  Turtles & Tortoises, 

The shell is a bony structure unique to order Chelonia. No other animal, living or extinct, has its body enclosed within a bony shell similarly constructed in its entirety. This review article describes shell structure, pertinent shell vocabulary terms, as well as shell function, morphology, growth, and pathology . . .

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To cite this page:

Pollock C. Understanding the chelonian shell. October 31, 2023. LafeberVet Web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/understanding-the-chelonian-shell/