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Feather - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:50, 12 August 2008
, 10:50, 12 August 2008→Structure & Function
<br/>1. Vane<br/>2. Rachis<br/>3. Barb<br/>4. Afterfeather<br/>5. Calamus]]
<br/>1. Vane<br/>2. Rachis<br/>3. Barb<br/>4. Afterfeather<br/>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 [[Thermoregulation in Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|insulation]].
The portions of the feather can be described as follows:
The portions of the feather can be described as follows: