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Feather - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:53, 12 August 2008
, 10:53, 12 August 2008→Structure & Function
*'''Shaft''': The combination of the rachis and the calamus.
*'''Shaft''': The combination of the rachis and the calamus.
*'''Vane or Vexillum''': The portion of the feather that extends to either side of the rachis and is composed of the barbs and their associated structures. The vane is either '''plumulaceous''' (soft and downy) or '''pennaceous''' (compact and closely knit) depending on the individual type of feather.
*'''Vane or Vexillum''': The portion of the feather that extends to either side of the rachis and is composed of the barbs and their associated structures. The vane is either '''plumulaceous''' (soft and downy) or '''pennaceous''' (compact and closely knit) depending on the individual type of feather.
*'''Barbs''': The series of branches fused to the rachis, constituting the major surface area of the feather. Barbs also have branches called '''barbules''' which have hooks that lock the barbs together.
===Types of Feather===
===Types of Feather===