Vana 102 Comparative Anatomy – Laboratory

Module 1.
Exercise No. 1: The Integumentary System

Label the Skin Anatomy. (photo source: Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and
Physiology by Aspinall & Capello (2015, 3rd ed.) – Fig. 12.1)

Sebaceous
gland Hair shaft

Sweat gland
Epidermis

Dermis

Hypodermis
Veins or Arteries

Describe the variation of each layer of the encircled portion. Make a zoomed in
illustration and label them correspondingly.

 Stratum basale/germinativum – consists of a single layer of dividing cells. The

stratum basale is where granules of melanin are present, and is the precursor of
keratinocytes.
  Stratum spinosum – responsible for the skin’s strength and flexibility, this later is
composed of polyhedral keratinocytes. Appears shiny due to the protruding cell
processes that join the cells via the desosome.
 Stratum granulosum – the cells in this layer are flattened. Keratin, the acting
protective substance of the skin, is found in this layer and is the reason for the grainy
appearance.
 Stratum lucidum – a seemingly translucent layer due to the eleidin, a clear protein
rich in lipids, and provides a barrier to water. The cells in this later lose their nuclei
and become clearer. The keratinocytes that compose this layer are dead and
flattened.
 Stratum corneum – the cells in this layer are fully keratinized and are flat in shape,
these are dead due to their lack of nuclei. The dry and dead layer helps prevent the
penetration of microbes inside the organism.

Guide Questions:

1. Describe briefly the two main layers of the skin including the layer of connective
tissue underneath.
o The two main layers of the skin are the epidermis which is the superficial layer
and the dermis. The epidermis is composed of stratified squamous epithelium
and has multiple layers that constant renew, these are the stratum basale,
stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The dermis is the deep later of the skin composed of dense connective tissues,
collagen, and elastic fibers. The dermis is responsible or the supply of the
nutrients for the skin because this is where the blood vessels reside. Other
components of the dermis are nerves, sensory nerves, hair follicles, sebaceous
glands, and sweat glands.

2. Compare and contrast the integument of the different animal species (dogs and cats,
pigs, horses and ruminants) by tabulating their differences and modifications in the
skin and its derivatives.

Table 1. Comparison of integument features in different animal species

Species Sweat glands & brief Hair follicle type & Keratinized
description distribution appendages
present

Dog Sweat glands open to Dogs have Dogs have planum

the surface of the pad compound follicles nasale that is made
of dogs. These are also that occur in up of keratinized
active on the noses of clusters of three skin generally
dogs. where one is larger referred to as torus.
than the others.
Apocrine sweat glands This cluster Footpads are
contains one guard roughened by
Circumanal glands hair surrounded by conical papillae that
located around the numerous smaller provide traction
entire circumference of hairs. The during walking.
the anus, their distribution of their
secretion contributes to hair follicles is Claws that are thick
the individual smell of grouped. and strong.
the dog
Cat Sweat glands open to Cats have a cluster Cats have planum
the surface of the pad. of 5 compound nasale that is made
These are also active follicles that up of keratinized
on the noses of dogs. surround a single skin generally
primary follicle. The referred to as torus.
Circumoral glands, distribution of their
found on the lips of hair follicles is Smooth footpads
cats, which the grouped. with a digital cushion
secretions are used for formed from
territorial marking thickened dermis
and fatty vascular
tissue that is able to
absorb the impact of
the foot hitting the
ground.

Claws that are fine

but sharp.

Pig Sweat glands are Pigs have single Pigs have planum
present in pigs but are hair follicles that rostrale that is made
poorly developed and are grouped in up of keratinized
unimportant. The triads and are skin generally
planum rostrale of pigs surrounded by referred to as torus.
produce this function. collagen fibers. The
distribution of their Hoof/Hooves
Apocrine sweat glands. hair follicles is (ruminant hoof).
grouped.

Horse Sweat glands of horses Horses have single Hoof/Hooves called

are adrenergic, follicles that are the equine hoof.
meaning they are evenly distributed.
transmitted by
adrenaline. These
contain glycogen and
urea used for heat
regulation and
pheromone activity

Ruminants Sweat glands are The hair follicles of Goats and sheep
present in sheep but ruminants are have planum nasale,
are not significant in evenly distributed. and cattle and
heat regulation, the They have single buffaloes have
planum nasale produce hairs that do not planum nasolabiale
this function. come in cluster. both of which are
made of keratinized
Sweat glands are well- skin generally
developed in cattle and referred as torus.
significant in heat
regulation in hot Hoof/Hooves
climates, the planum (ruminant hoof).
nasolabiale produce
this function. Horns which are
 Sheep and cattle have modified skin region
apocrine sweat glands. at the base of the
horn.

3. Identify the following.

DISCLAIMER: photos belong to their rightful owners

Color: Palomino Color: Buckskin

Color: Appaloosa Color: Brown Color Horse

Marking: Bald face Marking: Irregular Blaze

Marking: Star Marking: Snip

 Marking: Coronet Marking: Stock

4. Make an illustration of the phases of the hair cycle and describe what happens in
each phase.

5. Identify A & B. How does one differ from the other? Give two examples of animals
belonging to each group.

Figure 2. Hoof types

 A. Odd-toed hoof / Equine hoof
B. Even-toed hoof / Ruminant hoof

o The equine hoof consists of a wall, the part that is visible when the foot is on the
ground; sole, the part covering the ground surface between the wall and frog; and
a frog which is a triangular shape with an apex and base. The ruminant hoof, on
the other hand, resembles the equine hoof with the difference that the ruminant
hoof does not contain a frog, contains a periple that is found continuous passing
through the interdigital space from one hoof to the other, the coronary papillae of
the ruminant hoof is smaller, and the stratum interim is less extensive and does
not have a secondary lamellae.

Examples of animals having (A) equine hooves:

o Horse
o Rhinoceros

Examples of animals having (B) ruminant hooves:

o Buffalo
o Sheep