Unique Tortoise Anatomy

This whole page is about the amazing tortoise anatomy. That's a science way to say tortoise bodies.

I'm going to write details about all the different parts of terrapin, turtle, and tortoise anatomy, but it will take me a while to finish. I'm a tortoise, after all. Of course, since I'm a tortoise, you can be sure that I'll get it all done.

If you see a link in the list, you'll know that I've added information about that part of a tortoise's body. You can click on the link to learn more.

If you want to know about a body part that isn't a link yet, you can write to ask me. I'm happy to write first about the things you want to know.

Reptile Anatomy

Just a minute, OK. You should know first of all that tortoises are reptiles. That means that we are cold-blooded, have scales but not hair or feathers, have skeletons inside our bodies, have hearts with three chambers, and lay eggs. The other reptiles are lizards, snakes, and crocodilians. But I won't be talking about them here. This page is just for information on chelonian anatomy. (Chelonians is what scientists call us.)

All bodies are amazing.

Of course, I think mine is one of the most amazing of all. Look at this list that shows what is special about being a tortoise.

Tortoise Anatomy
On The Outside

• Feet and legs
• Neck
• Nose
• Ears
• Shell
• Skeleton
• Skin
• Tail
• Sexing a Tortoise

Tortoise Anatomy
On The Inside

• Breathing
• Cold-blooded
• Ears
• Heart
• Metabolism
• Mouth

Keep it slow and steady.