Skeletal System of the Turtle

The turtle is an important organism in the Class Reptilia, Subclass Anapsida, and Order Chelonia (Testudines). The turtle is studied in comparative anatomy because it is the only extant member of the Subclass Anapsida. Members of the Subclass Anapsida have no fenestration in the skull. Differences can be seen in the turtle skeleton due to this trait.

We have arranged our atlas in the order that the skeletal system of the turtle is studied in comparative anatomy. On both the snapping turtle and sea turtle skull pages there are links, which you can click on in order to compare the two types of skulls side by side.

Using the "Compare to ... " links:

• First, click on the link and  a new window will come up with the other type of skull.
• On the new window click the restore icon (the icon between the minimize and close icons) in the top right corner of the window.
• You can change the size of this new window by moving the pointer to the top left corner of the window until it becomes a double arrow.
• Once the pointer becomes a double arrow, click on the left mouse button and move the mouse to change the new window size, so you can compare the two types of skulls side by side.
• You can also minimize & maximize the new window enabling you to study both the Sea Turtle and the Snapping Turtle skulls at the same time.