Images Dated 18th March 2004

Taste bud on tongue surface

Taste bud on tongue surface. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of the human tongue revealing the pore of a taste bud. The taste pore (blue, at centre) is an opening in the surface epithelium of the tongue which leads to a barrel- shaped taste bud that lies immediately underneath. The orange tipped projections all around the taste pore are known as papilla lingual. There are many types of these protuberances that cover the anterior two thirds of the tongue. These papilla have sensory and mechanical functions. Beneath this layer the tongue is composed of muscle fibres which help it to move. Magnification: x120 at 5x7cm size

© Prof Cinti and V.Gremet/Spl

Western Brown Snake

DH-3287
Western Brown Snake
Near Lajamanu on the northern edge of the Tanami Desert. Northern Territory, Australia
Pseudonaja nuchalis
An extremely dangerous fast moving snake. Variable in colour and pattern. The head varies from very pale to black. Preys on small mammals and reptiles. Females lay 20-40 eggs per clutch. Widely distributed in the hotter regions of Australia.
Don Hadden
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

© Don Hadden/ardea.com

Stimsons / Large-blotched Python

DH-3261
Stimson's / Large-blotched Python
At Lajamanu on the northern edge of the Tanami Desert, Northern Territory, Australia.
Antaresia (Liasis) stimsoni
Feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs. They lay 5-19 eggs each season. They are preyed upon by some raptors and large reptiles
Found in arid regions woodlands and rocky areas of western and central Australia.
Don Hadden
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

© Don Hadden/ardea.com