What are some of the functions of integument of vertebrates? (Hint:3)
What is one of the main characteristics of avian integument?
The presence of feathers.
What can we see in the cross-section of avian integument?
Feathers, like teeth, are dermally derived. True or False?
False. Feathers and feather follicles are epidermally derived.
What are the basic types of feathers and where are they located?
Avian skin lacks glands except for a uropygial gland at the base of the tail. True or False?
True.
What is the function of a uropygial gland? Where is it found?
The uropygial gland produces oils that are used to waterproof the feathers. It is found at the base of the tail of birds.
What is the function of arrector pili muscles and where are they found?
Arrector pili muscles –> smooth muscles in the dermis which are attached to the base of the feather follicle.
Used for heat, mating, defence. The flexion of muscle is involuntary.
The unlayered dermis of birds lacks melanocytes. How do birds have colour?
Melanin, and other pigments, is injected directly into the developing feather cortex to give the feather colour.
What are the two important parameters of wings which relate to flight? how are they calculated?
How is nitrogenous waste excreted in birds?
Uric acid.
What are two special features in the digestive system of birds?
What are the two major components of the integument and where are they derived?
*Note: some vertebrates may have hypodermis beneath dermis (contains lymph or fat)
The ________ layer of the skin is thinner across most of the body, but is thicker in the palm of the hand and the sole of the foot. This is mainly for _______.
The STRATUM CORNEUM layer of the skin is thinner across most of the body, but is thicker in the palm of the hand and the sole of the foot. This is mainly for PROTECTION.
What are the layers of the epidermis, from superficial to deep? Give a description of each.
(Hint: 5)
The dermis is composed of loose connective tissue and has finger-like projections called ______ that protrude into overlying epidermis.
The dermis is composed of loose connective tissue and has finger-like projections called DERMAL PAPILLAE that protrude into overlying epidermis.
Similar to feathers, hair follicles are dermally derived. True or False?
False. Both feathers and hair follicles are epidermally derived.
What are the types of glands found in mammalian integument? Give a description of each.
Give some examples of modifications of the mammalian integument.
Horns, antlers, pronghorn, whale bristles, hoof.
What is the furcula and where is it located?
Furcula a.k.a wishbone is located in the front of the avian skeleton.
What is the “Keel” and where is it located?
The carinate sternum, a.k.a. the keel, is the breast bone of birds.
The avian Vertebral column is separated into 4 regions. What are they?
Give some functions of the endoskeleton of vertebrates.
The vertebral column of mammals can be divided into 5 regions. What are they? How many of each are there?