Slide 63 - Avian Claw, Footpad and Scales
 This slide offers some good review of the structure of bone, cartilage and tendon, as well as illustrating thick stratified squamous skin that is organized into scales on the top of the foot, into a claw at one end, and into a footpad on the bottom. Note the thickness of the flexor tendon associated with the claw. Slide 20 - Avian Uropygial Gland and Feathers |
| The uropygial gland is a specialized pair of oil (sebaceous) glands with raised portals or ducts. It is designed to enable a bird to take oil into its beak, then apply the oil to the feathers. Another name for the uropygial gland is the preen gland. Feathers are too large and complex for oil to wick into place on its own. |  |
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Histologically, there is nothing fancy to the uropygial gland. It is composed of many sebaceous glands, compacted into one location. |
| At the base of the preen gland, there is regular avian skin. This skin has feathers. Note that feather follicles are larger than hair follicles, with an extensive dermal component in their middles. Feathers have connective tissues, vasculature and innervation within their cores, and very large erector muscles. |  |
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Question:
Compared to the mammalian skin you've seen in this laboratory, what can you say about the thickness of avian epidermis, dermis and hypodermis? |
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On to feet and fur |