Jacobson's organ
Snake tongue target
Jacobson's organ is a sensory structure in the roof of the mouth found in many vertebrates, especially snakes and lizards.
It detects chemical signals—pheromones and scent particles—that the tongue delivers when flicked.
Snakes "taste" the air this way, tracking prey or mates.
Also called the vomeronasal organ.
Humans have a vestigial version with no known function.
Symbol of dishonest speech
- snakesElongated limbless reptiles
- lizardsSmall scaly reptiles
- herpetologyStudy of reptiles, amphibians
- pit vipersVenomous snakes with heat-sensing organs
geckos · monitors · pythons · boas · serpentine · predation · trailing · tracking
Sneering facial gesture
Species-specific chemical messengers
- chemosensoryPertaining to chemical detection
- olfactionSense of scent detection
- chemical signalsMolecules conveying information between cells
- sensory perceptionDetecting stimuli through senses
Tissue covering body surfaces
- neuronsSignal-transmitting brain cells
- nasal cavityAir channel in nose
- chemoreceptorSensory unit detecting chemicals
- ductTube conveying fluid
cartilage · vestigial · bilateral · mucosa · innervation
Reproductive pairing behavior
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- breedingReproductive cultivation of organisms
- mate selectionChoosing a romantic partner
- territorialityDefense of claimed space
aggression · sexual behavior · dominance · social hierarchy · instinct · animal communication
forked tongue
Symbol of dishonest speech
- snakesElongated limbless reptiles
- lizardsSmall scaly reptiles
- herpetologyStudy of reptiles, amphibians
pit vipers · geckos · monitors · pythons · boas · serpentine · predation · trailing · tracking
lip curl
Sneering facial gesture
elephants · rodents · scent marking · urine analysis · felids
pheromones
Species-specific chemical messengers
- chemosensoryPertaining to chemical detection
- olfactionSense of scent detection
- chemical signalsMolecules conveying information between cells
epithelium
Tissue covering body surfaces
- neuronsSignal-transmitting brain cells
- nasal cavityAir channel in nose
- chemoreceptorSensory unit detecting chemicals
duct · cartilage · vestigial · bilateral · mucosa · innervation
mating
Reproductive pairing behavior
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- breedingReproductive cultivation of organisms
- mate selectionChoosing a romantic partner
territoriality · aggression · sexual behavior · dominance · social hierarchy · instinct · animal communication
- snake anatomyfangs, scales, forked tongue, venom glands, hood
- reptileslizard, snake, turtle, crocodile, alligator
Jacobson's organeye
Organ of sight
ear · cochlea · retina · photoreceptor · auditory system