Possum Anatomy

Opossum facts opossums have long pointed snout along with the opposable thumbs in the hands and feet. It was once believed that the male opossum mated through the female opossums nose.

Anatomy Misc Medical Opossumcare

Water opossum has webbed.

Possum anatomy. The length averages 322 in 855 cm and weighs up to 09 oz11 lb 255000 g. The reproductive system of the opossum has fascinated many and has led to interesting folklore. This trait is true of all marsupials.

The stiff curled form can be prodded turned over and even carried away without reaction. When an opossum is playing possum the animals lips are drawn back the teeth are bared saliva foams around the mouth the eyes close or half close and a foul smelling fluid is secreted from the anal glands. Even so its anatomy remains as astonishing as ever.

4 rectus muscles 2 oblique muscles the levator palpebrae superioris and the retractor ocular bulbi. The anatomy of the male reproductive tract of possums and gliders is similar to that of most marsupials. Male virginia opossums may grow to 100 cm 40 inches but average about 76 cm 30 inches in total length including the tail.

She then sneezed the young through her nose and into the pouch. The rectus muscles originate very close one to another between. The size of a house cat males average about 3 kg 66 pounds females about 2 kg 44 pounds.

Testes are located in a pre penile scrotum. It is interesting to note that on opossums the testicles are located in front of the penis rather than behind it. The anatomy of the extraocular muscles was studied in 10 adult opossums didelphis albiventris of both sexes.

Females average about 72 cm 28 inches. Eight extraocular muscles were identified. There is for example the opossums prehensile tail which it uses to grip branches while climbing opossums rarely and then only briefly.

Some species possesses tail completely covered with hair others have long naked tail. Accessory sex glands consist of only a prostate and one or more pairs of bulbourethral cowpers glands temple smith 1984. The penis of the male opossum is bifurcated or split on the end.

Opossum Wikipedia