Bird bone, SEM

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Bird bone, SEM

Bird bone. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the interior of bone from a birds skull. This porous structure found inside bone is called cancellous (spongy) bone. The columns of bone are called trabeculae and the resulting structure is strong yet light. In bird bones, the spaces help make the bone light enough for them to fly

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6388419

© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Air Spaces Animal Body Avian Bird Bones Brown Cancellous Density False Colour Mass Mineral Ornithological Ornithology Spongy False Coloured

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Science Photo Library showcases the intricate beauty of a bird bone at a microscopic level. The coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) reveals the inner structure of a bird's skull bone, known as cancellous or spongy bone. The porous nature of this structure is clearly visible, forming columns called trabeculae that contribute to its strength and lightness. Bird bones possess these air spaces within their cancellous structure, which play a crucial role in enabling them to take flight. These hollow spaces significantly reduce the overall weight of the bones without compromising their durability. It is through this evolutionary adaptation that birds are able to achieve remarkable agility and grace in the skies. The false colouring applied to this SEM image enhances our understanding of avian anatomy by highlighting different mineral densities within the bone. This visual representation not only provides valuable insights into healthy anatomical structures but also serves as an invaluable resource for ornithologists and biologists studying avian species. Science Photo Library continues to amaze us with their ability to capture such extraordinary images that bridge artistry and scientific discovery. This particular photograph invites us into the hidden world beneath feathers and skin, reminding us once again of nature's incredible ingenuity in creating life forms perfectly adapted for survival in their respective habitats.

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