Autotomy

Rapid muscle contractions at the fracture site facilitate the break and provide immediate hemostasis (blood flow control).

While most famous in reptiles, this trait is found across several animal groups: autotomy

Autotomy is a biological defense mechanism where an animal voluntarily sheds or discards a body part to escape a predator or avoid further injury. 🦎 Biological Mechanism Rapid muscle contractions at the fracture site facilitate

The break occurs across a specific vertebra (common in most lizards). autotomy

Autotomy is a highly controlled process that typically occurs at specialized weak points called or breakage planes .