A Comparison of the Renal Structures of the Anaconda and the Ball Python

Authors

H. Ditrich, University of ViennaFollow

Abstract

The renal vascular system of the Ball python (Python regius) and the anaconda (Eunectes noteus; Serpentes - Squamata) has been investigated using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts and critical-point dried non-corroded specimens. The average glomerular diameters of these two species differ significantly (anaconda: 59.1 μm, python: 124.3 μm). Also, the relative proportions of the renal tubules are different. These findings can be related to the different habitats of the two species (aquatic versus terrestrial environment).

Recommended Citation

Ditrich, H. (1996) "A Comparison of the Renal Structures of the Anaconda and the Ball Python," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 10: No. 4, Article 21.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol10/iss4/21