The Turtle Shell (is cool)

Here we look at the turtle shell. I did not k!ll this turtle. This group of animals is characterized by the special design of a complete bony or flexible shell that encases the body, inside and out. The shell’s cellular structure is complex, and is composed of natural compounds like protein. It is still poorly understood and being researched continuously. The shell has two main parts called the carapace (top) and plastron (bottom), which are connected together like puzzle pieces. These bony plates are called osteoderms, which are composed of tissues that are fused to skin and bone, notably the spine and ribs (in Testudines). This structured armor is derived from the integumentary system, and is connected to other organ systems of the body like the musculoskeletal and vascular systems. On top of the osteoderms, surface scales called scutes cover the shell superficially. These are also pieced together and made of compounds like keratinized protein. Turtles can never leave their shells like hermit crabs do, because it is a permanent part of them. The shell assists turtles in all ways of their life including body support, gas exchange, organ protection, camouflage, mating, defense, reproduction, metabolism and more. Although other creatures have also developed shells, this specific, armored architecture is not seen in any other animal in the world!