Bird, feathers (LM, Medium)

Structure List Epithelium of feather Areolar connective tissue Muscle tissue Epithelium & dermis of follicle Low Magnification View

This slide displays an avian feather follicle in cross section. Notice the barb ridges of epithelium surrounding a core of areolar connective tissue. Observe that the feather follicles are surrounded by dense connective tissue, which is part of the dermis. Thus, feather follicles are within the dermis. Also take note of the muscles surrounding each feather follicle. These are feather muscles which control the positioning of feathers.