Bird Feather (Whole Mount)
Aves
This whole mount slide preparation demonstrates the microstructural architecture of a bird feather (class Aves). Stained red for enhanced visual contrast under brightfield illumination, the specimen highlights the central longitudinal shaft (rachis) from which parallel branches (barbs) extend laterally. Extending outward from the barbs are microscopic barbules, some bearing tiny interlocking hooklets (barbicels) that demonstrate how plumulaceous or pennaceous feather vanes maintain structural integrity or soft insulation. Feather keratin structures such as these are essential for avian flight, thermoregulation, and water repellency, providing a classic example of integumentary evolution in vertebrates.
- Category
- Vertebrates
- Magnification
- 20x
- Stain
- Red stain
- Tags
- bird feather, Aves, feather whole mount, rachis, barb, barbule, barbicel, keratin, integumentary system, avian anatomy, bird histology, plumulaceous feather, pennaceous feather, feather micro-structure, vertebrate histology, brightfield microscopy
Explore this slide with deep zoom, save it to your library, and present it live to students on StudyScope. Create a teacher account or browse the full catalog.