The Anatomy of Sea Turtles

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TitleThe Anatomy of Sea Turtles
Publication TypeGovernment Report
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsWyneken, J.
Series TitleThe Anatomy of Sea Turtles
Pagination1-180
PublisherNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Report NumberNMFS-SEFSC-470
Accession NumberNMFS-SEFSC-470
Keywordssea turtle anatomy
AbstractThe need for an up-to-date guide to the anatomy of sea turtles became clear toward the end of the 1900s. Increasing numbers of individuals developed the interest, talents, and techniques to study the biology of sea turtles, contend with their illnesses and injuries, and address the nature of sea turtle mortalities. This manual was written in response to these needs and was designed to be accessible to a variety of users. It provides a fundamental background, reference photos of normal anatomy, and diagrams to guide novice or professional biologists, stranding personnel, and veterinarians. Species identification, standard dissection techniques, standard measurements, and basic anatomy are covered with a diverse audience in mind. While this manual does not serve as a necropsy guide, it may serve as a reference when conducting necropsies. It is designed particularly with the understanding that many users will be working with it in the field or under less-than-ideal conditions. The Anatomy of Sea Turtles is organized so that it can be used either as a guide to dissection or as an anatomical reference to species identification, standard methods, and dissection (pp. 1-42) or as an anatomical reference to sea turtle structures or systems.