Structure of the skeleton

Skull:

Sea turtle skulls vary depending upon their diet and way of life although they all have the same basic bone pattern. The skull is made up of fused (joined) bones and its function is to house and protect the brain and sensory organs, and to allow for breathing and eating. All sea turtles are toothless although the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), has a jagged or serrated jaw due to a horny beak covering.

Click on the skull photographs for a full scale view.