Concept in Definition ABC

The body of many animals is covered with some type of protection, such as feathers, hair or scales. Both fish and reptiles have their bodies covered in scales, a layer that acts as armor.

Fish

The morphology of fish have scales on the outside of the skeleton. This protective structure has a variable shape and extension. With it, injuries to internal tissues, abrasion of the body and protection against pathogens are avoided. In some cases, the sheets that make up this external structure allow better sliding in the aquatic environment. There are some fish without scales, such as eels or lampreys.

Regarding its morphology there are some differences. Placoid scales have a protective element called vitrodernia (vitrodernia is a substance quite similar to the enamel of teeth). Cosmoid scales are made up of a layer superficial of a bone type known as isopedine. The ganoid scales are attached to the joints and have a specific layer, ganoin.

The reptiles

Reptile skin is especially thick and protected by scales. This surface layer is made up of cells that contain keratin. In this way, reptiles are protected against solar action and, at the same time, can avoid the loss of

Water in your body.

On zoology its scales are called stratum corneum. Said stratum presents some variations, since it can be smooth, tapered or ribbed. In the case of turtles, they incorporate a complementary bone plate called the carapace. In any case, the skin of these animals acts as an adaptation mechanism to the environment. land.

The plates that make up reptile scales are shed periodically. When this happens, the shedding occurs (the outer layer of the skin is shed in one piece).

Scales on the skin of humans is a symptom of a disease, psoriasis

Is disease of the skin is usually manifested in some parts of the body, such as the elbows, knees, head or back. It consists of the appearance of plaques on the skin with appearance reddish and in its upper part some white scales.

Psoriasis is a hereditary pathology and it is an autoimmune disorder and, therefore, it is not contagious. As it is a skin disease, it must be treated by a dermatologist.

Photos: Fotolia - Kuritafsheen / EcoView

Scaled Themes