feather

One of the epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on birds. Feathers are formed in tiny follicles in the epidermis, or outer skin layer, that produce keratin proteins.

Type Organ
Parent Structure cutaneous appendage

Sub-structures

auricular feather Organ blood feather Organ breast feather Organ dorsal feather Organ down feather Organ filoplume feather Organ forelimb feather Organ hindlimb feather Organ rictal bristle Organ tail feather Organ vaned feather Organ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the feather?
One of the epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on birds. Feathers are formed in tiny follicles in the epidermis, or outer skin layer, that produce keratin proteins.

Related Structures

1st arch mandibular component ventral mandibular arch 1st arch mandibular ectoderm ectoderm of mandibular component 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme mandibular component mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from head mesenchyme 1st arch mandibular mesenchyme from neural crest 1st arch maxillary component 1st arch maxillary ectoderm ectoderm of maxillary component 1st arch maxillary-mandibular cleft 1st arch maxillary-mandibular groove ectoderm

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