How is a regenerated lizard tail different from its original tail?

A regenerated lizard tail is a functional replacement, but it differs significantly in structure from the original tail. While the original tail contains a series of vertebrae, the regenerated version instead features an unsegmented, tapering cartilaginous tube.12

Key differences include:

• Internal Structure: The original bony, segmented vertebrae are replaced by a cartilaginous tube.12
• Nervous System: The spinal cord within the regenerated tail lacks the segmented ganglia typically associated with the original structure.12
• External Appearance: The scales on the new tail often differ in character from the original ones, and the regenerated tail is frequently shorter than the original.31

Although these differences make the regenerated tail easily distinguishable from the original, it remains sufficient to serve the lizard's needs.1