

Lynn Kee, Graduate Student, Cell and Developmental Biology (Verhey Laboratory)
This is an image of the intricate junction between the vertebrae of the backbone, tail and hindlimb of a veiled chameleon lizard embryo (Chamaeleo calyptratus). In this preparation, bone is stained yellow and cartilage is stained blue. These bones are forming by a process called endochondral ossification, in which a cartilage template is formed first and then is later partially replaced by bone. In regions of contact between the joints, cartilage can act as a smooth surface to allow easy movement. The chameleon has to move its limbs and tail independently; their prehensile tail acts as a fifth limb and helps the lizard with climbing trees. This image was prepared at the 2011 Woods Hole Embryology Course.
Dimensions:
Print Size | Approximate Total Size With Mat or Mat/Frame |
5x7 | 9x11 |
8x10 | 12x14 |
11x14 | 15x18 |
16x20 | 20x24 |