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.

类型 Organ
上级结构 cutaneous appendage

下级结构

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

常见问题

What is the structure of a feather?
A feather consists of a central shaft (rachis) bearing barbs that branch into barbules, which interlock via hooklets (barbicels) to form a continuous vane. The proximal hollow portion (calamus) anchors the feather in the follicle. Down feathers lack interlocking barbules, creating a fluffy insulating structure.
How do feathers develop from feather follicles?
Feathers develop from cylindrical follicles in the skin, which are invaginations of the epidermis lined by a germinative layer. The follicle produces keratinocytes that differentiate and keratinize to form feather components. Feathers grow cyclically and are replaced during molt.
What are the different types of feathers and their functions?
Feather types include contour feathers (outer covering, flight and display), flight feathers — primaries and secondaries on wings, rectrices on tail (all for aerial locomotion), down feathers (insulation beneath contour feathers), semiplume feathers (transitional insulation), and filoplumes (sensory).

相关结构

mucus body coating mucous body coating mucus cocoon mucous cocoon Mullerian duct ductus paramesonephricus multi cell part structure cell part cluster multicellular anatomical structure multicellular structure multilaminar epithelium laminated epithelium multi-tissue structure multi-tissue structures multi-unit eye

医学免责声明

本内容仅供教育和信息目的。不打算作为专业医疗建议、诊断或治疗的替代品。对于您可能对某种医疗状况有的任何问题，请始终寻求医生或其他合格医疗提供者的建议。切勿因在本网站上阅读的内容而忽视专业医疗建议或延迟寻求建议。

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.