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Feather - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 11:03, 16 July 2008
, 11:03, 16 July 2008→Anatomy of the Feather
==Anatomy of the Feather==
==Anatomy of the Feather==
[[image: Parts of the Feather.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Parts of a Feather:
1: Vane
2: Rachis
3: Barb
4: Afterfeather
5: Calamus]]
In most birds, the body is divided into areas that contain feather tracts, '''pterylae''' and areas that do not, '''apteriae'''. The location and the number of tracts varies between species. By originating from tracts rather than being randomly distributed, feathers can smoothly overlap and conform to the natural contours of the body. By laying feathers over apteriae, air can be trapped beneath, providing insulation.
In most birds, the body is divided into areas that contain feather tracts, '''pterylae''' and areas that do not, '''apteriae'''. The location and the number of tracts varies between species. By originating from tracts rather than being randomly distributed, feathers can smoothly overlap and conform to the natural contours of the body. By laying feathers over apteriae, air can be trapped beneath, providing insulation.