Cats whisker, SEM

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Cats whisker, SEM

Cats whisker. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a cats whisker, or vibrissa. Whiskers are the thickened hairs that grow out of a cats face. Like all hair they are made up of dead cells containing the protein keratin. However, unlike other hairs, their follicle is surrounded by a capsule of blood, called a blood sinus, which is itself surrounded by nerves. When a whisker is moved, some of the blood in the sinus is displaced. This greatly amplifies the message sent to the nerves and allows even small changes in air pressure to be detected. This sensitivity allows a cat to detect the movement of prey in the dark. Magnification: x95 when printed at 10 centimetres wide

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

Media ID 6451543

© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Animal Body Brown Dead Facial Feline Hair Keratin Sensitive Sensory Whisker Appendage Vibrissa

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate details of a cat's whisker, captured through a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The vibrancy of colors in this image brings to life the otherwise unseen world of feline anatomy. Whiskers, known as vibrissae, are specialized thickened hairs that sprout from a cat's face. Composed of dead cells containing keratin protein, they possess a unique structure unlike any other hair. What sets these whiskers apart is their remarkable sensitivity. Each follicle is enveloped by a blood sinus and surrounded by nerves, forming an intricate network within the cat's face. When these delicate appendages are moved even slightly, the displacement of blood within the sinus amplifies signals sent to the nerves. This heightened sensory perception enables cats to detect even subtle changes in air pressure and perceive movements in complete darkness. The magnification level used for this print allows us to appreciate every minute detail at 95 times its original size when printed at 10 centimeters wide. From its rich brown coloration to its single strand composition, this SEM image truly captures the essence of this extraordinary biological feature. This mesmerizing photograph serves as a testament to nature's ingenuity and reminds us once again why cats are such exceptional hunters in their environment.

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