Integumentary Flashcards
(202 cards)
What is the general texture and thickness of the epidermis in avian skin?
The epidermis in avian skin is loose, dry, and quite thin.
What are the specific layers of the avian epidermis from innermost to outermost?
The layers of the avian epidermis are:
a. Stratum basale
b. Stratum intermedium (also called stratum spinosum)
c. Stratum transitivum (also called stratum granulosum)
d. Stratum corneum
In avian skin, what term collectively refers to all the layers of the epidermis except the stratum corneum?
The term ‘stratum germinativum’ is used to represent all the epidermal layers except the stratum corneum.
What metabolic function is the avian integument known for and why?
The avian integument is referred to as an organ of lipogenesis because it contains extensive amounts of lipids in the epidermal cells in most avian species.
What types of lipids does the avian epidermis synthesize?
The avian epidermis synthesizes triacylglycerols, phospholipids, wax esters, free fatty acids, monoacylglycerols, and diacylglycerols.
What type of fibers compose the dermis in avian skin?
The dermis in avian skin is composed of fine collagenous fibers.
In avian skin, how defined is the papillary region of the dermis?
The papillary region of the dermis in avian skin is not well defined.
What kind of immune-related tissue is found extensively in the avian dermis?
Extensive lymphoid tissue is present in the avian dermis.
How are the dermis and hypodermis of avian skin subdivided?
The dermis and hypodermis are subdivided into:
Stratum superficiale
Stratum profundum, which includes:
Stratum compactum (dense layer)
Stratum laxum (loose connective tissue containing fat, large blood vessels, smooth muscle, and follicles)
Lamina elastica (elastic lamina of the dermis)
What is the origin of feathers in birds, and how are they similar to mammalian hair?
Feathers are of epidermal origin and, like mammalian hair, develop within a follicle.
What types of muscles are associated with each feather follicle in birds?
Each feather follicle is associated with several smooth muscles with elastic tendons.
What type of muscle allows voluntary movement of the skin in response to stimuli in birds?
Cutaneous striated muscles allow voluntary movement of the skin in response to stimuli.
What is another name for the uropygial gland in birds?
The uropygial gland is also known as the oil gland or preen gland.
What is the only cutaneous gland in birds, and in which species is it especially well-developed?
The uropygial gland is the only cutaneous gland in birds and is especially well-developed in aquatic species.
What structural units make up the uropygial gland, and where do they empty?
The uropygial gland consists of numerous sebaceous adenomeres that continue into a common duct or sinus and empty on the surface on a common papilla.
What type of skin gland is the uropygial gland considered, and how is its secretion released?
The uropygial gland is considered a specialized sebaceous skin gland; its secretion is released via holocrine secretion.
How is the secretion of the uropygial gland regulated in birds?
The secretion of the uropygial gland is regulated by hormonal influences.
What are the three main functions of the combined sebum from the uropygial gland and lipids from epidermal cells in birds?
They act as antibacterial agents, prevent feather keratin from drying out, and provide waterproofing.
What specialized epidermal structures are present in birds?
Specialized epidermal structures in birds include scales, toe pads, claws, wattles, spurs, and combs.
Which avian structures are comparable to the mammalian claw?
Claws, spurs, and beaks in birds are comparable to the mammalian claw.
What avian structure is similar to the footpads of carnivores?
The toe pads of birds are similar to the footpads of carnivores.
To what are avian scales comparable, and where are they found in birds?
Avian scales are comparable to those of reptiles and occur on the legs of all birds and on the wings of penguins.
What structures in birds are skin diverticula and what do they contain?
Wattles and combs are skin diverticula that contain extensive vasculature, mucous connective tissue, and fats.
What additional type of tissue may be found in wattles and combs of some bird species, such as turkeys?
In some birds like turkeys, erectile tissue may also be present in the wattles and combs.