Vertebral scales

Vertebral scales, in snakes, are large scales along the top of the back of the snake, i.e., the uppermost row. They are a specialised form of dorsal scales.

Enlarged vertebral scales of Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus

"Vertebral" is a term associated with the backbone, but also central scales such as on the carapace of a chelonian shell.^[1]

Related scales

• Dorsal scales

See also

• Snake scales
• Anatomical terms of location