| Turtle shells are constructed with a layer of epidermal scutes overlying a layer of dermal bone. |
| The carapace of these turtles lacks scutes and is covered instead with a leathery skin. |
| Their skin is covered with non-overlapping scales composed of the protein keratin and often studded with bony plates called scutes. |
| The top of the head is always covered by a shield of keratin-covered scutes, and the tail is covered by bony rings. |
| Scutes over the limbs are termed appendicular scutes, and scutes forming the ventral portion of the carapace are referred to as ventral scutes. |
| Sturgeon species are noted by a spindle-shaped body with five rows of bony scutes and a long snout with sensory barbels. |
