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The hair cuticle of mammals and its relationship to functions of the hair coat

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2002

W. Meyer ,
A. Schnapper  and
G. Hülmann
W. Meyer
Affiliation:
Anatomical Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
A. Schnapper
Affiliation:
Anatomical Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
G. Hülmann
Affiliation:
Technischer Überwachungs-Verein Nord, 30519 Hannover, Germany
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Abstract

Based on a computer-assisted method and regression analysis several structural parameters of the hair cuticle pattern of primary hairs of 94 mammalian species from seven orders were evaluated and compared between the different groups studied. Relevant relationships could only be demonstrated for directly scale-dependent parameters (scale area, scale perimeter, ratio of scale width to height). However, the species-specific shape and size of hair cuticle scales in mammals may be of certain value for biological interpretations of hair coat structure and function. This seems to be especially true for the Canidae and the Felidae, and even more for small mammals (insectivores, chiropterans, small rodents). In the latter group relationships between scale-dependent parameters and hair coat density indicate a homogeneity of hair coat structure which reflects effective insulation qualities.

Keywords

hair cuticlehair coatmammals
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 256 , Issue 4 , April 2002 , pp. 489 - 494
Copyright
2002 The Zoological Society of London

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