Reptile, avian, and mammalian species all possess a metanephric kidney to maintain fluid homeostasis. The physiology of the kidney is intimately related to tissue organization and gross morphology, which is dependent upon organ size, animal habitat, and body plan. Reptiles have significant variations in body plan and as a result have differences in visceral organ placement and morphology. One organ that appears to show great morphological variation is the reptilian kidney found in Crocodylia, Testudines, and Squamata (Sauria and Ophidia). However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate and compare kidney morphology in reptiles and more specifically, in turtles. Here we have examined multiple cryptodiran turtle species from the families Chelydridae, Emydidae, Kinosternidae, and Trionychidae. Detailed descriptions of kidney morphology along with comparative allometry are provided. Significant differences in external renal morphology were found between and within turtle families as well as differences in scaling of kidney mass with body mass. Our study provides a foundation for understanding differences in organ development and tissue architecture as well as potential differences in physiology.

中文翻译：

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选择现存的隐龟肾的比较形态学和异速生长

爬行动物、鸟类和哺乳动物物种都具有后肾肾以维持体液稳态。肾脏的生理机能与组织组织和大体形态密切相关，这取决于器官大小、动物栖息地和身体计划。爬行动物在身体结构上有很大差异，因此在内脏器官的位置和形态上有差异。一种似乎表现出巨大形态变异的器官是在鳄鱼、睾丸和有鳞（蜥蜴和蛇蜥）中发现的爬行动物肾脏。然而，评估和比较爬行动物，更具体地说是海龟的肾脏形态的研究有限。在这里，我们检查了来自 Chelydridae、Emydidae、Kinosternidae 和 Trionychidae 科的多种隐龟。提供了肾脏形态以及比较异速生长的详细描述。在龟科之间和内部发现了外肾形态的显着差异，以及肾脏质量随体重的变化。我们的研究为理解器官发育和组织结构的差异以及生理学的潜在差异奠定了基础。